Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026
07:08
Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration
Published on: July 31, 2013
20.2K
Effectiveness of poly-γ-glutamic acid in maintaining enamel integrity
Zeeshan Qamar1, Zubaidah Binti Haji Abdul Rahim2, Gan Seng Neon3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan.
Archives of Oral Biology
|July 21, 2019
Summary
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGGA) shows significant potential in preventing tooth demineralization and promoting remineralization. A 2% PGGA concentration demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to sodium fluoride (NaF) in protecting dental enamel.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant global health issue.
- Demineralization and remineralization are key processes in caries development.
- Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGGA) is a biodegradable polymer with potential applications in dentistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the demineralization inhibition and remineralization potential of poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGGA) on human dental enamel.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of PGGA in dental applications.
- To compare the efficacy of PGGA with sodium fluoride (NaF).
Main Methods:
- Tooth samples were treated with varying concentrations of PGGA (1% and 2%) and NaF (0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5%) in acidified solutions.
- Calcium ion release and uptake were monitored using Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) over 72 hours.
- Cross-sectional microhardness testing was performed to assess enamel mineral recovery.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the interaction of PGGA with enamel and hydroxyapatite (HAp).
Main Results:
- The 2% PGGA treatment significantly inhibited demineralization and promoted remineralization of tooth enamel.
- FT-IR analysis indicated that PGGA forms a protective layer on enamel and HAp surfaces.
- The viscosity of PGGA solutions increased with concentration, suggesting potential for coating formation.
Conclusions:
- 2% PGGA exhibits superior efficacy compared to NaF in protecting dental enamel from demineralization.
- PGGA acts by forming a protective coating layer on the tooth surface.
- PGGA holds promise as a novel agent for caries prevention and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Substituent Effects on Acidity of Carboxylic Acids
7.8K
The acidity of carboxylic acids is influenced by the nature of the substituents bounded to the functional group. The acid strength is determined by the stability of the carboxylate anion—the conjugate base formed by dissociating the corresponding carboxylic acid.
7.8K
03:42Amino acids
104.6K
Amino acids are the monomers that comprise proteins. Each amino acid has the same fundamental structure, which consists of a central carbon atom, or the alpha (α) carbon, bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and to a hydrogen atom. Every amino acid also has another atom or group of atoms bonded to the central atom known as the R group. There are 20 common amino acids present in proteins, each with a different R group. Variation in the amino acid sequence is responsible for...
104.6K
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
914
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
914
02:19Buffer Effectiveness
54.9K
Buffer solutions do not have an unlimited capacity to keep the pH relatively constant . Instead, the ability of a buffer solution to resist changes in pH relies on the presence of appreciable amounts of its conjugate weak acid-base pair. When enough strong acid or base is added to substantially lower the concentration of either member of the buffer pair, the buffering action within the solution is compromised.
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
54.9K
01:19Design Example: Maintaining Level of an Embankment
415
Constructing a roadway embankment over uneven terrain requires precise leveling to ensure stability and proper drainage. Surveyors use a leveling instrument and staff to calculate ground elevations and determine the required fill material at each point along the embankment alignment.The process begins by positioning a leveling instrument near a benchmark with a known elevation. A backsight reading establishes the instrument height, which serves as a reference for subsequent measurements. A...
415
02:43Nucleic Acids
49.8K
Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes,...
49.8K