Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2025 Apr;37(4):1062-1074.
doi: 10.1111/jerd.13381. Epub 2024 Dec 11.

Topographic Evaluation of the Remineralizing Potential of Biomimetic Scaffolds on Enamel White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Affiliations

Topographic Evaluation of the Remineralizing Potential of Biomimetic Scaffolds on Enamel White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Eman M Soliman et al. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: The modern approach to managing noncavitated white spot lesions (WSLs) emphasizes noninvasive strategies and biomimetic remineralization. Biomimetic scaffolds are designed to regenerate dental tissues rather than simply repair them. This study aimed to assess lesion depth, enamel structure, and the elemental composition of artificially induced WSLs after treatment with biomimetic remineralization techniques.

Materials and methods: Ninety-six freshly extracted anterior teeth, free from caries or enamel defects and extracted due to periodontal disease, were used. White spot lesions were induced on the labial surfaces, and the samples were divided into three groups based on the remineralizing agent: Group I, treated with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), which served as the positive control; Group II, treated with self-assembling peptide P11-4 (SAP-P11-4); and Group III, treated with phosphorylated nano-chitosan (Pchi-ACP). Enamel topography was analyzed at baseline and after treatment using polarized light microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn's post hoc test (p = 0.05).

Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference in remineralization potential among the groups. Pchi-ACP showed the greatest reduction in lesion depth (62.65%), demonstrating significant subsurface enamel remineralization. This group also exhibited a smooth, regular enamel surface with shallow linear depressions. Elemental analysis confirmed successful calcium phosphate precipitation in Pchi-ACP, indicating a trend toward enamel regeneration.

Conclusion: Pchi-ACP represents a promising biomimetic and minimally invasive approach for treating early WSLs, signifying a transition toward regenerative dentistry. (SAP-P11-4), while effective, was less successful than phosphorylated nano-chitosan but outperformed (CPP-ACP).

Clinical significance: Pchi-ACP demonstrates significant potential for minimally invasive treatment of early noncavitated carious lesions. By preserving natural tooth structure, this approach could greatly enhance oral health outcomes in the long term.

Keywords: WSLs; biomimetic remineralizing scaffolds; curodont; phosphorylated Nano‐chitosan; surface topography.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Y. Lena Sezici, E. Yetkiner, A. Aykut Yetkiner, E. Eden, and R. Attin, “Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Varnishes, Self‐Assembling Peptide‐Based Remineralization Agent, and Enamel Matrix Protein Derivative on Artificial Enamel Remineralization In Vitro,” Progress in Orthodontics 22 (2021): 4, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40510‐020‐00345‐1.
    1. S. Guth, S. Hüser, A. Roth, et al., “Toxicity of Fluoride: Critical Evaluation of Evidence for Human Developmental Neurotoxicity in Epidemiological Studies, Animal Experiments and In Vitro Analyses,” Archives of Toxicology 94 (2020): 1375–1415, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204‐020‐02725‐2.
    1. A. Jablonski‐Momeni, R. Nothelfer, M. Morawietz, A. Kiesow, and H. Korbmacher‐Steiner, “Impact of Self‐Assembling Peptides in Remineralisation of Artificial Early Enamel Lesions Adjacent to Orthodontic Brackets,” Scientific Reports 10 (2020): 15132, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598‐020‐72185‐2.
    1. R. Soares, I. N. De Ataide, M. Fernandes, and R. Lambor, “Assessment of Enamel Remineralisation After Treatment With Four Different Remineralising Agents: A Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Study,” Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research 11 (2017): ZC136–ZC141, https://doi.org/10.7860/jcdr/2017/23594.9758.
    1. N. Basheer, M. M. Madhubala, and S. Mahalaxmi, “Future Perspectives of Biomimetics in Restorative Dentistry,” Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International 32 (2020): 19–28, https://doi.org/10.9734/JPRI/2020/v32i2530820.

LinkOut - more resources