Multi-user equipment approved in grant 19/26070-1: Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring

• Grant number: 21/03389-2
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
• Grantee: Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/26070-1 - Modulation of acquired enamel pellicle to control dental mineral loss: unravelling mechanisms to make therapies possible, AP.TEM
• EMU web page: Página do Equipamento Multiusuário não informada
• Type of equipment: Caracterização de Materiais - Análises de Superficies - Adsorção (sorção, BET, ângulo de contato/goniômetro)
• Manufacturer: Fabricante não informado
• Model: Modelo não informado

Abstract

The presence of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) is one of the protective factors against erosive tooth wear (ETW) and dental caries. Among the AEP proteins with enamel binding potential and acid-resistant properties, cystatin, hemoglobin (Hb) and statherin have been recently identified by our group. Modification of the protein profile of the AEP by the incorporation of some proteins can interfere in the initial bacterial colonization of the biofilm, changing its structure. Therefore, the modification of the AEP can be promising not only for the control of ETW, but also for the control of dental caries, which has been little studied. Thus, in the present proposal, focused on "acquired pellicle engineering", we intend to evaluate the impact of modification of this integument with proteins that bind to enamel and that have acid-resistant properties (cystatin, Hb, statherin and combination thereof) on the proteomic profile of the AEP formed in vivo, as well as on its protective potential against extrinsic and intrinsic erosive challenges. The combination of these proteins with other actives such as trimetaphosphate (TMP) and epigallo cathechin gallate (EGCG), which may enhance their binding to the AEP, will also be evaluated, as well as the possible mechanisms underlying this protective potential. Considering that the formation of the dental biofilm occurs by the attachment of bacterial surface adhesins to AEP proteins with complementary receptors, the modification in the protein composition of this integument due to the enrichment with acid-resistant proteins will certainly have an impact on the initial microbial colonization of the AEP, changing its entire structure, which will also be evaluated, using a microcosm biofilm model. Finally, different vehicles for the use of these proteins will be evaluated, so that a product can be elaborated that can be clinically tested for the control of caries and ETW. These steps are crucial for developing a product based on one or a combination of these proteins that will be widely used as a new approach to control ETW dental caries, based on procedures for "acquired pellicle engineering". (AU)