Biomimetic Remineralization of Dental Hard Tissues via Amyloid‐Like Protein Matrix Composite with Amorphous Calcium Phosphate

Abstract

AbstractNumerous remineralizing coatings aim to prevent or treat early enamel lesions and occlude exposed dentinal tubules (DTs). Nevertheless, the pace of remineralization is inadequate, and the mechanical robustness of the newly established mineral layer fails to match the inherent strength. In this study, a biomimetic mineralization strategy aimed at replicating key events in biological mineralization, specifically focusing on the organic–inorganic composite matrix, is proposed. The material utilizes Tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP), which serves a dual role: stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) (ACP@TCEP) nanoparticles as its inorganic component, and catalyzing the cleavage of intramolecular disulfide bonds in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted lysozyme (lyso‐PEG) to facilitate the formation of an amyloid‐like protein matrix composite with ACP (ACP@lyso‐PEG nanocomplexes). ACP@lyso‐PEG nanocomplexes can rapidly and efficiently form an enamel‐like remineralization layer on the surface of damaged dental hard tissue, reaching ≈4.205 µm thickness after 3 days of acid‐etched enamel. Furthermore, achieving a depth of DTs occlusion exceeding 60 µm after 5 days, using a simple immersion process. The resulting mineralized layer exhibits mechanical strength comparable to natural teeth. This study introduces a conceptual biomimetic mineralization strategy for effective enamel repair or DTs occlusion in clinical practices, and offers potential insights into the mechanisms of biomineral formation.