Effects of oligopeptide simulating DMP-1/mineral trioxide aggregate/agarose hydrogel biomimetic mineralisation model for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) occurs when dentine is exposed to stimuli from the oral environment due to a lack of enamel or cementum. The use of biomimetic mineralisation in occluding exposed dentinal tubules and regenerating enamel-like tissues on dentine surfaces is preferred for a long-lasting treatment. In this study, we established a biomimetic mineralisation model composed of oligopeptide stimulating dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP-1), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and an agarose hydrogel biomimetic mineralisation model (AHBMM); the proposed model is thus referred to as DMP-1@MTA@AHBMM. The effectiveness of DMP-1@MTA@AHBMM for the management of DH was analysed with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and a microhardness test. The use of DMP-1@MTA@AHBMM on a demineralised dentine surface occluded the dentinal tubules and regenerated an enamel-like tissue containing well-defined fluoridated hydroxyapatite crystals on the dentine surface. The microhardness of the regenerated enamel-like tissue was greater than that of the demineralised dentine. Therefore, DMP-1@MTA@AHBMM can be a promising method for the management of DH.