Evaluation of a Novel Calcium-Binding Peptide for Enamel Remineralization: An In Vitro SEM-EDX Study

The increasing demand for biocompatible and effective alternatives to fluoride in enamel remineralization has prompted the development of novel synthetic peptides with a high affinity for calcium. This in vitro study aimed to assess the remineralization potential of one such peptide on artificially induced carious lesions in both primary and permanent enamel, in comparison with fluoride and untreated controls.

An in vitro study was conducted in two phases: pilot and comprehensive. Three peptides (P1-P3) were newly synthesized based on amino acid sequences with high calcium affinity (patent pending). In the pilot phase (n = 44), enamel samples were treated with peptides (200/400 µg/mL), fluoride, or left untreated. Based on preliminary results, P2 and P3 (800 µg/mL) were selected for the comprehensive phase (n = 144). Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis was performed at initial, after demineralization, and after pH cycling.

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 18.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States). Descriptive statistics were calculated for calcium and phosphorus levels. Intragroup comparisons were conducted using paired Student's t-test or Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, while intergroup comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Tukey HSD or Mann-Whitney U-test where appropriate. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

P2 treatment significantly increased Ca²⁺ levels in both primary and permanent enamel compared with controls (p < 0.05). The increase was higher than in the fluoride group, though not statistically significant. No meaningful change in phosphorus levels was observed across groups (p > 0.05).

This study suggests that novel peptide-based agents may offer effective remineralization in early enamel lesions, particularly in primary teeth. They may serve as promising alternatives to fluoride in pediatric dentistry.