Evaluation of the remineralization effect of a self-assembling peptide P11-4 containing remineralization agent on acidic erosion formed on tooth surface: an in vitro study

This study aims to evaluate the remineralization efficacy of a self-assembling peptide P11 4 remineralization agent and a NaF-containing remineralization agent against acid-induced erosion on bovine teeth in vitro, using SEM-EDX analysis. A total of 50 bovine teeth were divided into five groups: sound enamel, enamel subjected to erosion, enamel erosion lesions treated with self-assembling peptide P11-4, with NaF varnish, and with both self-assembling peptide and NaF varnish, respectively. To create erosive enamel lesions, all groups except Group 1 were demineralized by being immersed in orange juice for 6 hours, followed by an erosive cycling process for five days. Subsequently, remineralization agents were applied to the relevant groups, excluding Groups 1 and 2. Mineral density measurements were performed using an SEM-EDX device. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS V23. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of data distribution. For parameters showing normal distribution, one-way ANOVA was used to compare three or more groups. Multiple comparisons were evaluated using Tukey's Test and Tamhane's T2. The significance level was set as p<0.05. A statistically significant difference in the mean Ca% weight values among the groups was found (p<0.001). While the wt% Ca results of groups 1 and 2 were similar, they differed significantly from the other groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference existed between groups 3, 4, and 5 (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found in the groups' mean wt% P values (p=0.001). A significant difference was observed between the negative control and experimental groups, whereas no significant difference was observed between the positive control and experimental groups. No statistically significant difference was found among the groups in the wt% of the average Ca/P ratio (p=0.327). Considering all the results, it was concluded that self-assembling peptide P11-4 could be used as an alternative to fluoride varnishes to treat initial erosive enamel lesions in primary and permanent teeth.