An Analytical Tooth Model Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance Chips Coated with Hydroxyapatite Used for Investigation of the Acquired Dental Pellicle

One of the main targets in modern dentistry is the prevention of caries. Not only daily nutrition plays an important role, but also the so-called pellicle on the outer surface of teeth, which is mainly formed by saliva proteins. Moreover, numerous bacteria are part of this pellicle, which might cause caries by acidic metabolites. In the here-presented study, a method for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles on gold surfaces, suitable for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements, is developed. An artificial tooth is created and loaded by natural saliva in different concentrations (to form a natural pellicle), while the influence of an environment with different pH values has been studied. It could be demonstrated that even slight acid solutions damage the pellicle significantly within seconds, exposing the HAP to acidic degradation, which would lead to caries in the human oral cavities. This model allows to study pellicle formation as well as degradation in real time. As a practical example, the influence of beverages on the pellicle could be demonstrated. Herein, an artificial tooth is proposed. This model allows to study saliva pellicle formation as well its degradation in real time on the tooth surface simulated by a very thin layer hydroxyapatite (HAP). Suitable for surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the established model allows supplementary to study the influence of beverages on the formed pellicle.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH

Automated summary

This article introduces a method for electrophoretic deposition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on gold surfaces for surface plasmon resonance measurements. Using an artificial tooth model, the influence of natural saliva in different pH environments has been studied. The results demonstrate that even slight acid solutions can significantly damage the pellicle, exposing the hydroxyapatite to acidic degradation, which can lead to caries.