BIOACTIVE NANOESTRUCTURED HYDROGEL CONTAINING CANECPI-5 AND VITAMIN E FOR MODULATION OF THE ACQUIRED ENAMEL PELLICLE.

• Grant number: 25/23856-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Tamara Teodoro Araujo
• Grantee: Allanys Menezes Bueno
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) represents the first interface between dental enamel and the oral environment, playing a crucial role in protecting against erosive and cariogenic challenges. Modulating the formation of this pellicle through biomolecules represents a promising and still underexplored approach in preventive dentistry. Among the molecules of interest, the protein CaneCPI-5 has shown significant results against erosion and dental caries in recent studies, while vitamin E possesses antioxidant properties and potential to enhance the penetration of proteins into the deeper layers of the AEP.Thus, the present project aims to develop a poloxamer-based (Pluronic®) nano-structured hydrogel containing both CaneCPI-5 and vitamin E, and to evaluate its behavior and effects at the enamel-acquired pellicle interface, as well as its impact on bacterial biofilm formation and enamel demineralization in vitro. Initially, a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) will be employed to assess the adsorption, interaction kinetics, and stability of the hydrogel on enamel surfaces and model saliva films.To evaluate its potential anti-caries protective effect, a microcosm biofilm model will be used. Bovine enamel blocks (4 × 4 mm) will be treated with the experimental formulations (CaneCPI-5 and vitamin E, alone or combined), 9000 ppm NaF, chlorhexidine, placebo, and a control group without treatment. After application, samples will be exposed to a human saliva pool and McBain medium for AEP and microcosm biofilm formation, followed by daily cariogenic challenges. The experiment will be conducted for 5 days, with daily replacement of the culture medium supplemented with 0.2% sucrose.At the end of the experiment, the proportion of live and dead bacteria will be assessed by confocal microscopy, and mineral loss will be evaluated by transverse microradiography (TMR). It is expected that the developed hydrogel will promote favorable modulation of the AEP, strengthening it as a protective barrier, reducing initial bacterial adhesion, and preventing enamel demineralization-constituting a biomimetic and innovative approach in caries prevention. (AU)