Bioactive Calcium Polyphosphate-Driven Whitening Systems: Whitening Performance and Enamel Response to Enzyme- and Violet Light-Assisted Low-Peroxide Gels.

• Grant number: 25/12896-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Agreement: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Principal Investigator: Debora Alves Nunes Leite Lima
• Grantee: Debora Alves Nunes Leite Lima
• Principal researcher abroad: Dr Klaus Rischka
• Institution abroad: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft , Germany
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Piracicaba
• Associated research grant: 23/14255-2 - Effectiveness of in-office bleaching with calcium polyphosphate submicroparticles on the physical properties of dental enamel and randomized clinical trial, AP.R

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the whitening efficacy and enamel effects of experimental bleaching gels containing 6% hydrogen peroxide, calcium polyphosphate (CaPP) submicroparticles, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and violet LED activation. A total of 108 bovine enamel/dentin specimens will be distributed into nine groups, including a negative control (no treatment), a positive control using a commercial 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (without enzyme or light), and experimental groups using low-concentration hydrogen peroxide (6%), with or without CaPP, ALP, and violet LED. Treatments will be performed in three sessions of 45 minutes each. Analyses will include color change (¿E, ¿E¿¿, ¿WID), surface roughness (Ra), and microhardness (KHN), as well as enamel surface morphology and elemental composition assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Additional tests include pH measurement, hydrogen peroxide titration, and phosphate release quantification. CaPP, developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IFAM (Germany), has demonstrated potential to promote enamel remineralization when enzymatically activated. Its incorporation into low-peroxide bleaching gels may offer a safer and more effective alternative to conventional whitening strategies. (AU)