In a significant advance for restorative dentistry, scientists from the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with an international research team, have developed a protein-based gel that can repair and regenerate tooth enamel.
The gel, created by experts from the university’s School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, has the ability to remineralize and strengthen enamel while also preventing future decay. Their research was published this week in Nature Communications.
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“Tooth enamel has a unique structure that protects our teeth throughout life,” said Dr. Abshar Hasan, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral fellow. “When our material is applied to damaged enamel or exposed dentine, it promotes crystal growth in a highly organized way, effectively restoring the structure of healthy enamel.”
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Unlike traditional fluoride treatments, this new gel is fluoride-free and inspired by proteins that naturally guide enamel formation in infancy. Applied similarly to a fluoride varnish, the gel forms a thin, durable layer that fills tiny cracks and holes. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing calcium and phosphate from saliva to help rebuild the enamel through a process called epitaxial mineralization.
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This approach allows new minerals to grow and integrate seamlessly with the tooth’s natural structure, restoring the strength and durability of enamel.
With enamel damage contributing to tooth decay in nearly half of the global population, this bioinspired material could provide a lasting solution for both prevention and repair. The research team has partnered with Mintech-Bio, a spin-off from the University of Nottingham, to bring the technology to market.
“We are working with our start-up company Mintech-Bio and expect to release the first product next year,” said Professor Álvaro Mata, Chair of Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials. “This innovation could soon benefit patients around the world.”
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