All-in-One Nanounit Embedded with Biomimetic Peptide for Comprehensive Caries Repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dental caries causes complex damage to enamel, dentin, and pulp.
• Current treatments struggle with multitissue repair and anchoring to tooth interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic nanounit for comprehensive caries repair.
• To address inorganic mineral loss, collagen demineralization, and pulpal irritation.

Main Methods:

• Constructed QP5/ACP@MSN (MQA) nanounits inspired by tooth development.
• Incorporated amelogenin-derived peptide QP5 and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP).
• Evaluated in vitro biomineralization and pulp cell differentiation, and in vivo caries model.

Main Results:

• MQA demonstrated efficient anchoring to hydroxyapatite in carious tissues.
• Promoted enamel and dentin biomineralization and odontogenic differentiation of pulp cells in vitro.
• Showed prevention-restoration-regeneration effects in a rat caries model.

Conclusions:

• MQA nanounits offer a unified solution for multitype and multitissue caries repair.
• Provides mineralization guidance, mineral supply, and pulp cell activation.
• Serves as a structural unit for versatile intraoral tissue interface applications.