Synthetic biomimetic carbonate-hydroxyapatite nanocrystals for enamel remineralization

New biomimetic carbonate-hydroxyapatite nanocrystals (CHA) have been designed and synthesized in order to obtain a remineralization of the altered enamel surfaces. Synthesized CHA mimic for composition, structure, nano dimension and morphology bone apatite crystals and their chemical-physical properties resemble closely those exhibited by enamel natural apatite. CHA can chemically bound themselves on the surface of natural enamel apatite thanks to their tailored biomimetic characteristics. The remineralization effect induced by CHA represents a real new deposition of carbonate-hydroxyapatite into the eroded enamel surface scratches forming a persistent biomimetic mineral coating, which covers and safeguards the enamel structure. The experimental results point out the possibility to use materials alternative to fluoride compounds which is commonly utilized to contrast the mechanical abrasions and acid attacks. The apatitic synthetic coating is less crystalline than enamel natural apatite, but consists of a new biomimetic apatitic mineral deposition which progressively fills the surface scratches. Therefore the application of biomimetic CHA may be considered an innovative approach to contrast the acid and bacteria attacks.