Anti-biofilm and remineralization effects of chitosan hydrogel containing amelogenin-derived peptide on initial caries lesions

In this study, we have designed a more clinically powerful anti-caries treatment by applying the amelogenin-derived peptide QP5 to the antibacterial carrier material chitosan in a hydrogel (CS-QP5 hydrogel), and characterized its effects on the inhibition of a cariogenic biofilm and the promotion of the remineralization of the initial caries lesions. The results indicated that the CS-QP5 hydrogel sustainably inhibited the growth of the Streptococcus mutans biofilm, lactic acid production and the metabolic activity over a prolonged period of time. Moreover, the CS-QP5 hydrogel promoted the remineralization of early enamel lesions, which were indicated by surface micro-hardness (, polarized light microscopy and transverse microradiography. In conclusion, the CS-QP5 hydrogel shows good potential for caries control in the clinic because of its antibacterial effects as well as the remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions even in a biofilm model over a prolonged period of time.