Pellicle engineering with CaneCPI-5: a scoping review

The salivary pellicle regulates interfacial processes on dental surfaces, offering protection against erosion and influencing bacterial adhesion. CaneCPI-5, a sugarcane-derived peptide inspired by cystatins, has been proposed as a cost-effective agent for pellicle modification. This scoping review evaluates the potential of CaneCPI-5 in pellicle engineering, particularly regarding erosion prevention and bacterial adhesion.

Studies investigating the effects of CaneCPI-5 on pellicles formed by human saliva on enamel or dentin were included.

A literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2025. Only English-language research articles were considered. Hand-searching, including checking reference lists, was not conducted.

A total of 131 records were identified. After removing duplicates, the titles, abstracts and full-text were screened, resulting in 20 included studies. Most studies were conducted on enamel pellicles (n = 17), with some on dentin (n = 2) or both (n = 1). CaneCPI-5 demonstrated enamel-binding ability and modified the pellicle proteome by increasing acid-resistant proteins, enhancing resistance to erosion. Its effects on bacterial adhesion and caries prevention were inconsistent. Combinations with other agents, particularly vitamin E, showed synergistic effects, though overall findings were mixed.

CaneCPI-5 shows promise as a pellicle-modifying agent for erosion protection. However, current evidence is limited, and findings remain inconclusive, merit further research under clinically relevant conditions.

Intentional modification of the pellicle with peptides like CaneCPI-5 may improve its protective properties and support preventive measures. Nonetheless, the long-term effects and clinical applicability of such modifications remain unclear. Further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy in the dynamic oral environment.