Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization

Abstract The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) consists of an organic, acellular, and bacteria-free film, formed in vivo as a result of biomolecules adsorption onto the tooth surface. It is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, phospholipids, and other macromolecules, such as carbohydrates. The...

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Main Authors: Carolina Ruis FERRARI, Matthias HANNIG, Marília Afonso Rabelo BUZALAF
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of São Paulo 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Applied Oral Science
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Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572025000100301&lng=en&tlng=en
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author Carolina Ruis FERRARI
Matthias HANNIG
Marília Afonso Rabelo BUZALAF
author_facet Carolina Ruis FERRARI
Matthias HANNIG
Marília Afonso Rabelo BUZALAF
author_sort Carolina Ruis FERRARI
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) consists of an organic, acellular, and bacteria-free film, formed in vivo as a result of biomolecules adsorption onto the tooth surface. It is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, phospholipids, and other macromolecules, such as carbohydrates. The AEP formation process is complex and can be divided into three stages: initiation, development, and maturation. The pellicle has two main layers: the globular and basal layers. The basal layer offers the most protection against demineralization, as the subsequent globular layer is weaker and less tenacious. The formation of the AEP can be influenced by various factors, such as the physicochemical properties of the teeth, location in the oral cavity, pathologies, and even the oral microbiota. With the advancement of “omics” techniques, it has been possible to observe the presence of acid-resistant proteins in the AEP, which allowed the development of the “acquired pellicle engineering” strategy. This strategy involves enriching and modifying the basal layer with acid-resistant proteins. Among these proteins, hemoglobin, statherin-derived peptide, and a protein derived from sugarcane stand out. The objective of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the AEP, detailing its composition, formation process, and protective functions. Additionally, the review aims to explore recent advances in the field of “acquired pellicle engineering,” highlighting the acid-resistant proteins of the AEP and their potential applications in dentistry. Finally, the review intends to highlight the clinical implications of these findings and how they may contribute to the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of dental pathologies according to published studies.
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spelling doaj-art-a5baee5ecf2a464b9b7f8f52e31ca5df2025-08-20T03:11:29ZengUniversity of São PauloJournal of Applied Oral Science1678-77652025-05-013310.1590/1678-7757-2024-0359Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralizationCarolina Ruis FERRARIhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3997-043XMatthias HANNIGhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0669-6881Marília Afonso Rabelo BUZALAFhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5985-3951Abstract The acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) consists of an organic, acellular, and bacteria-free film, formed in vivo as a result of biomolecules adsorption onto the tooth surface. It is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, phospholipids, and other macromolecules, such as carbohydrates. The AEP formation process is complex and can be divided into three stages: initiation, development, and maturation. The pellicle has two main layers: the globular and basal layers. The basal layer offers the most protection against demineralization, as the subsequent globular layer is weaker and less tenacious. The formation of the AEP can be influenced by various factors, such as the physicochemical properties of the teeth, location in the oral cavity, pathologies, and even the oral microbiota. With the advancement of “omics” techniques, it has been possible to observe the presence of acid-resistant proteins in the AEP, which allowed the development of the “acquired pellicle engineering” strategy. This strategy involves enriching and modifying the basal layer with acid-resistant proteins. Among these proteins, hemoglobin, statherin-derived peptide, and a protein derived from sugarcane stand out. The objective of this literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the AEP, detailing its composition, formation process, and protective functions. Additionally, the review aims to explore recent advances in the field of “acquired pellicle engineering,” highlighting the acid-resistant proteins of the AEP and their potential applications in dentistry. Finally, the review intends to highlight the clinical implications of these findings and how they may contribute to the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of dental pathologies according to published studies.http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572025000100301&lng=en&tlng=enAcquired Enamel PellicleCystatinHemoglobinProteinsStatherin
spellingShingle Carolina Ruis FERRARI
Matthias HANNIG
Marília Afonso Rabelo BUZALAF
Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
Journal of Applied Oral Science
Acquired Enamel Pellicle
Cystatin
Hemoglobin
Proteins
Statherin
title Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
title_full Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
title_fullStr Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
title_full_unstemmed Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
title_short Acquired pellicle engineering: a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
title_sort acquired pellicle engineering a fascinating approach to prevent demineralization
topic Acquired Enamel Pellicle
Cystatin
Hemoglobin
Proteins
Statherin
url http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1678-77572025000100301&lng=en&tlng=en
work_keys_str_mv AT carolinaruisferrari acquiredpellicleengineeringafascinatingapproachtopreventdemineralization
AT matthiashannig acquiredpellicleengineeringafascinatingapproachtopreventdemineralization
AT mariliaafonsorabelobuzalaf acquiredpellicleengineeringafascinatingapproachtopreventdemineralization