Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background Noninvasive caries treatments work topically, which may limit efficacy. The authors hypothesized that an alternative approach using mineral-loaded particles designed to target the subsurface of noncavitated caries lesions could be advantageous. This study shows in vitro proof-of-concept. Methods Mineral-loaded cationic starch (MLCS) particles were prepared, containing calcium, phosphate, and fluoride to provide fluoride-plus (FP) and fluoride-free (FF) alternatives. Particles were characterized for mineral loading and release. MLCS-FP and -FF treatments vs 1,000 ppm fluoride and deionized water controls were evaluated on natural smooth-surface caries lesions (n = 15 per group) after a 20-day protocol with immersion in artificial saliva with amylase and acid challenge. Treatment efficacy was assessed by microcomputed tomography, labeled fluorescence imaging, and blinded qualitative visual assessment. Results In aqueous suspension and absent amylase, particles showed sustained mineral ion release. The tomographic evaluation found significant (multivariable regression analysis, P < .05) restoration of lesion mineral density by MLCS-FP and MLCS-FF (42.9% and 38.6%, respectively) vs fluoride and negative controls (7.4% and −18%, respectively), particularly for the lesion subsurface (13.8% [13.0%], 15.9% [9.4%], −2.2% [7.3%], and −1.8% [4.0%] relative hydroxyapatite density for 0.25 through 0.45 μm lesion depth for FP, FF, fluoride, and deionized water, respectively). Visually reduced white opacity (Fisher exact test, P = .038, MLCS-FF vs fluoride) and labeled fluorescence (analysis of variance, P < .05 for MLCS-FF [75.4%], MLCS-FP [75.7%], fluoride [64.1%] vs negative control [−0.2%]) were observed. Conclusions These foundational studies show the potential of mineral-loaded starch particles to remineralize enamel as a new approach to treating early caries by subsurface targeted mineral delivery. The in vitro study results indicated that targeted particles improved treatment efficacy, with the data supporting the superiority of MLCS-FP and FF formulations over control conditions for subsurface remineralization and visual esthetic.
Source: JADA Foundational Science
Authors: Nathan A. Jones, Li-Chi Pan, Susan E. Flannagan, Kai A. Jones, Lyudmila Lukashova, Lucas Wightman, Sywe-Ren Chang, Glenn Jones, Livia M.A. Tenuta, Carlos González-Cabezas, Brian H. Clarkson, Wendy Bloembergen, Steven Bloembergen
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
Awards: Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Resource Center: Supporting Regenerative Medicine in Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Technologies, Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Regenerative Medicine Resource Center: Advancing Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Regeneration to Clinical Trial Initiation, Bioresorbable Nanoparticles for Visual Detection of Early-Stage Dental Caries
OpenAlex ID: W4404535994