Abstract
INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to investigate the remineralisation effect of combined use of a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (P26) and fluoride varnish on artificial early enamel caries lesions.METHODSBovine enamel blocks with artificial early enamel caries lesions were prepared. The blocks were randomly allocated to four experimental groups to receive following treatments: A. P26 + fluoride varnish, B. P26, C. Fluoride varnish and D. Distilled water (negative control). The treated blocks were subjected to pH cycling. Enamel blocks were collected at time points of 7 days (d7) and 21 days (d21). The mineral gain, elemental analysis and crystal characteristics of the caries lesion were assessed by micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively.RESULTSThe meanstandard deviation of mineral gain of Group A to D were (17.44.2) %, (10.72.2) %, (10.11.2) % and (6.80.5,) % at d7 respectively, and (15.22.6) %, (8.73.1) %, (9.71.2) % and (7.82.3) % at d21 respectively. A significant higher mineral gain was observed in Group A when compared to other groups at both d7 and d21 (p <0.05). The calcium to phosphate ratio remained consistent across all groups, ranging between 1.2-1.4. XRD analysis indicated that crystal composition on the surfaces was apatite for all groups.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, the present study provided a first indication of better remineralisation effects of the combined use of the bioinspired self-assembling peptide P26 and fluoride varnish compared to the effects of the respective individual uses of P26 or fluoride varnish.