Combination of Two Synchrotron Radiation-Based Techniques andChemometrics to Study an Enhanced Natural Remineralization ofEnamel

The limitations to assess dental enamel remineraliza-tion have been overcome by a methodology resulting from theappropriate combination of synchrotron radiation-based techniqueson both, infrared microspectroscopy and micro X-ray diffraction,with the help of specific data mining. Since amelogenin plays a keyrole in modulating the mineralization of tooth enamel, we propose acontrolled ion release forfluorapatite structural ions (Ca2+,PO43-,and F-, also including Zn2+) by using weak acid and weak base ion-exchange resins in the presence of amelogenin to remineralize thesurface of etched teeth. This combination provides the necessaryions for enamel remineralization and a guide for crystal growth dueto the protein. Remineralized tooth samples were analyzed byapplying the indicated methodology. The synchrotron data weretreated using principal component analysis and multivariate curve resolution to analyze the mineral layer formed in the presence andabsence of amelogenin. The remineralizing treatment created afluorapatite layer free of carbonate impurities and with a similarorientation to that of the natural enamel thanks to amelogenin contribution.

Automated summary

By combining synchrotron radiation-based techniques, such as infrared microspectroscopy and micro X-ray diffraction, with specific data mining, the limitations of assessing dental enamel remineralization have been overcome. A controlled ion release of structural ions, including Ca2+, PO43-, F-, and Zn2+, for fluorapatite, in the presence of amelogenin, has been proposed to remineralize the surface of etched teeth.