The Role of Genetically Engineered Peptides in Inducing Intrafibrillar Mineralization Using Calcium Phosphate Precursors

The present study aimed at determining the role of genetically engineered peptide in the process of biomimetic mineralization. The process of biomimetic mineralization is regulated by a polymer with a view to mimicking natural protein function in bone or teeth tissues. We report herein on the production of a hierarchical nanocomposite designed to emulate bone's subtle nanostructure using genetically engineered peptide for inorganics (GEPIs) via a liquid-precursor pathway. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis and a variety of other measurements showed that the collagen scaffolds attained a good degree of intrafibrillar mineralization. The enamel hydroxyapatite binding peptide (EHABP, the selected GEPI peptide)-mediated solution was analyzed by optical density turbidity measurements. The results indicated that the solution was stabilized under EHABPs' control at least 14 days, which was sufficient to facilitate the infiltration of amorphous calcium phosphate into the interior of the collagen fibrils. Compared with poly acrylic acid, which has been traditionally applied for similar aims, it is concluded that the EHABP, a genetically engineering peptide has a stronger influence on biomineralization.