Do Amelogenin Peptide-Based Nanohydrogels Prevent Artificially Induced White Spot Lesions?

As one of the most undesirable side effects of fixed orthodontic treatment, the occurrence of white spot lesions should be prevented. In the present study, amelogenin peptide combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles within chitosan hydrogels was formulated to prevent enamel demineralization.

Three groups were evaluated for the evaluation of preventive effects. The first group received no treatment and was considered a control group, while the other groups were the experimental groups with the intervention. The first experimental group was treated with chitosan-based hydrogel including the peptide, while the other group was treated with the application of equal amounts of chitosan-based hydrogels loaded with either peptide or hydroxyapatite. pH cycling was carried out for two weeks. The preventive potential was evaluated through the estimation of enamel microhardness, fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction. The surface characteristics of sound and treated enamel were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy using different magnifications, and the chemical compositions were analyzed by an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analyzer.

The results revealed the preventive potential of amelogenin peptide combined with hydroxyapatite through the preservation and improvement of appearance, and mechanical and chemical characteristics of the enamel surface throughout pH cycling.

This study concludes that the amelogenin peptide combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles within chitosan hydrogels provides a promising preventive strategy.