Calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles for caries control. Issue 4 (20th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schlafer, Sebastian; Birkedal, Henrik; Olsen, Jakob; Skovgaard, Jonas; Sutherland, Duncan S.; Wejse, Peter L.; Nyvad, Bente; Meyer, Rikke L.
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 32:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 357
• Publication Date: 2016-04-20
• Subjects: Biofilms -- calcium -- dental caries -- osteopontin -- phosphorus; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2016.1141199
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: Caries is caused by acid production in biofilms on dental surfaces. Preventing caries therefore involves control of microorganisms and/or the acid produced. Here, calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles are presented as a new approach to caries control. The particles are made by co-precipitation and designed to bind to bacteria in biofilms, impede biofilm build-up without killing the microflora, and release phosphate ions to buffer bacterial acid production if the pH decreases below 6. Analysis of biofilm formation and pH in a five-species biofilm model for dental caries showed that treatment with particles or pure osteopontin led to less biofilm formation compared to untreated controls or biofilms treated with osteopontin-free particles. The anti-biofilm effect can thus be ascribed to osteopontin. The particles also led to a slower acidification of the biofilm after exposure to glucose, and the pH always remained above 5.5. Hence, calcium-phosphate-osteopontin particles show potential for applications in caries control.