Oligopeptide P11-4 is a synthetic, pH controlled

self-assembling peptide Self-assembling peptides are a category of peptides which undergo spontaneous assembling into ordered nanostructures. Originally described in 1993, these designer peptides have attracted interest in the field of nanotechnology for their potential f ...

used for biomimetic mineralization e.g. for enamel regeneration or as an oral care agent. P11-4 (INCI name Oligopeptide 104) consists of the natural occurring amino acids

Glutamine Glutamine (symbol Gln or Q) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Its side chain is similar to that of glutamic acid, except the carboxylic acid group is replaced by an amide. It is classified as a charge-neutral ...

, Glutamic acid, Phenylalanine,

Tryptophan Tryptophan (symbol Trp or W) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Tryptophan contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain indole, making it a polar molecule with a non-polar aromatic ...

and Arginine. The resulting higher molecular structure has a high affinity to tooth mineral. P11-4 has been developed and patented by The

University of Leeds , mottoeng = And knowledge will be increased , established = 1831 – Leeds School of Medicine1874 – Yorkshire College of Science1884 - Yorkshire College1887 – affiliated to the federal Victoria University1904 – University of Leeds , ...

(UK). The Swiss company Credentis has licensed the peptide technology and markets it under the trade names including CUROLOX, REGENAMEL, and EMOFLUOR. They offer three products with this technology. As of June 2016 in Switzerland products are available with new Brand names from Dr. Wild & Co AG.

Mechanism of action

P11-4 is an α-peptide that self-assembles into β-sheet

amyloid Amyloids are aggregates of proteins characterised by a fibrillar morphology of 7–13 nm in diameter, a beta sheet (β-sheet) secondary structure (known as cross-β) and ability to be stained by particular dyes, such as Congo red. In the huma ...

s with a hydrogel appearance at low pH. It builds a 3-D bio-matrix with binding sites for calcium ions serving as nucleation point for hydroxyapatite (tooth mineral) formation. The high affinity to tooth mineral is based on matching distances of Ca-ion binding sites on P11-4 and Ca spacing in the crystal lattice of hydroxyapatite. The matrix formation is pH controlled and thus allows control matrix activity and place of formation.

P11-4 in dental applications

Self assembling properties of P11-4 are used to regenerate early caries lesions. By application of P11-4 on the tooth surface, the peptide diffuse through the intact hypomineralized plate into the early caries lesion body and start, due to the low pH in such a lesion, to self-assemble generating a peptide scaffold mimicking the enamel matrix. Around the newly formed matrix de-novo enamel-crystals are formed from calcium phosphate present in saliva. Through the remineralization caries activity is significantly reduced in comparison with a fluoride treatment alone. In aqueous oral care gels the peptide is present as matrix. It binds directly as matrix to the tooth mineral and forms a stable layer on the teeth. This layer does protect the teeth from acid attacks. It also occludes open dentin tubules and thus reduces the dental sensitivity.

Uses

* Treatment of initial caries lesions * Regenerating enamel *

Dentin hypersensitivity Dentin hypersensitivity (DH, DHS) is dental pain which is sharp in character and of short duration, arising from exposed dentin surfaces in response to stimuli, typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic, chemical or electrical; and which c ...

* Acid protection

Availability

Availability of products containing P11-4 vary by country, with some products available only to dentists, and others available to the retail public. Medical device for caries treatment and enamel regeneration: * CURODONT REPAIR (EU) * REGENAMEL (CH) Cosmetic products for acid protection and dentin desensitization: * CURODONT PROTECT (EU) * EMOFLUOR PROTECT GEL PROFESSIONAL (CH) * CURODONT D'SENZ (EU & CH) * EMOFLUOR DESENS GEL PROFESSIONAL (CH) * Candida Protect Professional (CH)

References

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External links