Polyelectrolyte-cation Complexes Using PAsp-Sr Complexes Induce Biomimetic Mineralization with Antibacterial Ability.

Remineralized dentin with an antibacterial ability is still a significant challenge in dentistry. Previously, we proposed a polyelectrolyte-calcium complexes pre-precursor (PCCP) process for rapid collagen mineralization. In the present study, we explored the expansion concept of the PCCP process by replacing the calcium with other cations, such as strontium. The results of transmission scanning microscopy (TEM), three-dimensional stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-resolution TEM with selected area electron diffraction demonstrated that biomimetic mineralization of collagen fibrils and demineralized dentin could be fulfilled with Sr&F-codoped hydroxyapatite (HAp) after they were treated with poly-aspartic acid-strontium (PAsp-Sr) suspension followed by a phosphate&fluoride solution. Moreover, dentin remineralized with Sr&F-codoped HAp exhibited in vitro and in vivo antibacterial ability against Streptococcus mutans. The cytotoxicity and oral mucosa irritation tests revealed excellent biocompatibility of mineralization mediums (PAsp-Sr suspension and phosphate&fluoride solution). The demineralized dentin's mechanical properties (elastic modulus and microhardness) could be restored almost to that of the intact dentin. Hence, the expansion concept of the PCCP process that replaces calcium ions with some cationic ions along with fluorine opens up new horizons for generating antibacterial remineralized dentin containing ions-doped HAp with excellent biocompatibility via biomimetic mineralization technology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.