Biomineralization of dentin.

Area of Science:

• Biomineralization
• Dental materials science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Demineralized dentin restoration is crucial for dental caries and erosion.
• Dentin collagen biomineralization mechanisms are evolving from ion-based to particle-based crystallization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in dentin collagen biomineralization.
• To highlight the role of non-classical crystallization and nanoprecursor particles.
• To discuss the active role of collagen in mineralization and mechanical property recovery.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro studies on dentin biomineralization.
• Analysis of nanoprecursor particle infiltration and nucleation.
• Evaluation of mechanical property recovery post-remineralization.

Main Results:

• Amorphous calcium phosphate identified as nanoprecursor particles for carbonated hydroxyapatite.
• Collagen demonstrated an active role in guiding nanoprecursor infiltration and nucleation.
• Significant improvements in understanding intrafibrillar remineralization and collagen structure.

Conclusions:

• Non-classical crystallization strategies offer new approaches for dentin remineralization.
• Collagen actively guides mineralization, challenging previous passive substrate assumptions.
• Further research is needed on calcium phosphate origin and protein-collagen-nanoparticle interactions.