Comparative evaluation of the remineralisation potential of biomimetic agents on phosphorylated dentine using SEM-EDX analysis: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION

Dentine remineralisation remains a clinical challenge due to its higher critical pH and complex organic matrix. Biomimetic strategies that replicate the role of non-collagenous proteins through phosphorylation have shown promise in promoting intrafibrillar mineralisation. Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) has been proposed as a phosphorylating agent capable of enhancing dentine remineralisation. This in vitro study aimed to comparatively evaluate the remineralisation potential of different biomimetic agents on artificially demineralised dentine using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis.

METHODOLOGY: An in vitro study was conducted using 70 extracted human permanent teeth, which were sectioned to obtain coronal dentine discs. Baseline mineral content and surface morphology were assessed using SEM and EDX. Samples were subjected to pH cycling to induce demineralisation and randomly assigned to four groups: Group A - theobromine, Group B - Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), Group C - Novamin and Group D - Artificial saliva. Each group was further subdivided based on STPP application (n = 10). Remineralisation protocols were carried out for 7 and 21 days, followed by SEM and EDX evaluation.

RESULTS

All specimens demonstrated significant mineral loss following demineralisation. Experimental groups showed progressive remineralisation over time compared to the control. STPP-treated subgroups exhibited greater mineral deposition and improved surface morphology. Among the tested agents, CPP-ACP combined with STPP demonstrated the highest calcium and phosphorus content, with EDX values exceeding baseline reference levels at 21 days. CPP-ACP + STPP showed significantly higher remineralisation compared to Novamin, theobromine, and the control groups at days 7 and 21 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylation of dentine using STPP enhances the remineralisation efficacy of biomimetic agents. CPP-ACP in combination with STPP showed superior remineralisation potential. These findings support the use of phosphorylating biomaterials as promising strategies for dentine remineralisation. However, the findings are limited by the in vitro design and require clinical validation.