Antibacterial peptide microspheres and recombinant human type XVII collagen (rhCXVII) modified protein hydrogels for synergistically combating dental caries.

Dental caries is a classic biofilm-induced disease characterized by an imbalance between the demineralization and remineralization of the hard tissues of teeth. Effective anticaries materials and techniques should possess both remineralizing and antibacterial properties. However, a hydrogel that is simultaneously antibacterial, compositionally safe, economical, and prepared through a simple method for caries treatment is still lacking. In this study, we designed a hydrogel system (C17/PL-CA-H) composed of poly-L-lysine-based microspheres and recombinant human type XVII collagen (C17), fabricated using a simple enzymatic cross-linking technique. We characterized its effects on the inhibition of cariogenic biofilm formation and the promotion of remineralization of acid-etched enamel surfaces. The poly-L-lysine-based microspheres significantly inhibited the growth, biofilm formation, and water-insoluble exopolysaccharide production of Streptococcus mutans UA159. In contrast, recombinant C17 promoted the remineralization of acid-etched teeth. The C17/PL-CA-H hydrogel demonstrated potent caries-preventive effects in vivo, with significantly fewer carious lesions and lower Keyes' scoring. Our findings suggested that the C17/PL-CA-H hydrogel holds promising clinical potential for dental caries prevention.