Developing Bioactive Hydrogels with Peptides for Dental Application
Alexandrina Muntean,
Codruta Sarosi,
Ioan Petean,
Stanca Cuc,
Rahela Carpa,
Ioana Andreea Chis,
Aranka Ilea,
Ada Gabriela Delean,
Marioara Moldovan
Affiliations
Alexandrina Muntean
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 31 A. Iancu Street, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Codruta Sarosi
Department of Polymer Composites, Institute of Chemistry Raluca Ripan, Babes Bolyai University, 30 Fantanele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioan Petean
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes Bolyai University, 11 Arany Janos Street, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Stanca Cuc
Department of Polymer Composites, Institute of Chemistry Raluca Ripan, Babes Bolyai University, 30 Fantanele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Rahela Carpa
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes Bolyai University, 1 M. Kogalniceanu Street, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ioana Andreea Chis
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 31 A. Iancu Street, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Aranka Ilea
Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 15 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ada Gabriela Delean
Department of Cariology, Endodontics and Oral Pathology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 33 Moților Street, 400001 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Marioara Moldovan
Department of Polymer Composites, Institute of Chemistry Raluca Ripan, Babes Bolyai University, 30 Fantanele Street, 400294 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Dental caries is an avoidable and complex condition impacting billions of individuals worldwide, posing a specific concern among younger generations, despite the progress of oral hygiene products. This deterioration occurs due to the acid demineralization of tooth enamel, leading to the loss of minerals from the enamel subsurface. The remineralisation of early enamel carious lesions could prevent the cavitation of teeth. The enamel protein amelogenin constitutes 90% of the total enamel matrix protein and plays a key role in the bio mineralisation process. The aim of this study is to investigate the self-assembly microstructure and reticulation behaviour of a newly developed bioactive hydrogel with leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) intended for enamel remineralisation. SEM, AFM, UV-VIS, and FTIR analyses emphasize the ability of peptides to promote cell adhesion and the treatment of early carious lesions. In conclusion, short-chain peptides can be used in hydrogels for individual or professional use.
