Advanced biomimetic mineralization approaches for enamel and dentin regeneration: a review

Biomimetic mineralization represents a promising strategy to replicate the natural processes of amelogenesis and dentinogenesis through proteins, peptides, ion delivery systems, enzyme-mimicking catalysts, and nanotechnology-based materials. Restoring enamel and dentin represents a major challenge in restorative dentistry due to their complex hierarchical architecture and limited intrinsic repair capacity. Conventional restorative materials can restore function but often fail to reproduce the mechanical, aesthetic, and biological properties of natural tissues and are prone to long-term degradation and secondary caries. Recent advances, including cell-free mineralization systems, self-assembling peptides, and nanostructured scaffolds, aim to mimic the structural and chemical environment of developing dental tissues, offering potential for non-invasive, biologically integrated, and durable restorations. This review highlights current progress in elucidating mineralization mechanisms, recent innovations in biomimetic strategies, and evidence from experimental and translational studies on enamel and dentin regeneration. Particular attention is given to emerging materials such as self-assembling peptides, calcium-phosphate based systems, and natural biomolecules including keratin and polyphenols. Finally, future perspectives are outlined, emphasizing integration with tissue engineering bioactive, biomimetic and smart biomaterials to enable functional and long-lasting dental tissue regeneration.