A novel biomimetic strategy for mimicking amelogenesis to repair enamel.

Abstract

According to the principle of minimal invasiveness in modern dentistry, biomimetic remineralization therapy constitutes a significant strategy for the prevention and treatment of early enamel caries. Based on the three "key events" of amelogenesis in vivo, silk fibroin (SF) combined with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) successfully formed an SF/CMC composite, and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) was then used to form an SF/CMC-ACP nanocomposite with remineralization properties. In our study, SF was used as a template protein for biomimetic amelogenin, ACP was stabilized with CMC and the remineralization was guided using NaClO to simulate the action of proteolytic enzymes. The SF/CMC-ACP nanocomposite demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and enamel remineralization effects in both in vitro/in vivo experiments; thus, a theoretical basis for biomimetic enamel remineralization studies was provided.