Peptide-Based Approach May Help Repair Dental Enamel and Arrest Caries

University of Washington (UW) researchers have designed a natural biogenic agent that uses proteins to rebuild dental enamel and treat dental caries. Published in ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, the study, “Biomimetic Tooth Repair: Amelogenin-Derived Peptide Enables In Vitro Remineralization of Human Enamel,” reports the peptide-based technology allows the deposition of 10 to 50 micrometers of new enamel on the teeth after each use.

The UW team was able to isolate the essence of the protein amelogenin, which is crucial to forming enamel, to design amelogenin-derived peptides that promote remineralization. According to the study, this repair process restores the mineral structure found in tooth enamel. Once fully developed, this biogenic agent may help slow or reverse cavities, and shows potential for use in in private and public health settings as an adjunct or possible alternative to existing treatment.