Artificial Tooth Enamel
“Carried out by scientists in Russia and Egypt, the newly developed dental coating uses hydroxyapatite as a starting point. This compound is the primary component in bone tissue and mineralized tissues in humans and animals. The researchers doped the hydroxyapatite with a complex of amino acids that naturally aid in the repair of bone and muscle structures, such as lysine and arginine, resulting in a mineralized layer with properties resembling the main component of natural enamel. The material was then applied to healthy teeth, so the team could observe its ability to bind to real dental tissue. The scientists used chemical imaging, field emission electron and atomic force microscopy to investigate the properties of the new material. The mineralized layer was found to be between 300 and 500 nanometers thick, with a nanocrystal structure in line with that of apatite crystals in natural enamel. Importantly, the team found the new coating exhibited impressive strength, and even greater hardness than natural enamel when measured on the nanoscale.” MORE