Self-Assembling Peptide Interface for Secondary Caries Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for cavitated carious lesions are invasive, causing damage to healthy tooth structure, associated with pain, and often lead to secondary caries due to failure of dental restorations.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a self-assembling peptide combined with a dental agent, such as a glass-ionomer cement-based sealant, which forms a remineralizing matrix upon failure of the dental agent, preventing secondary caries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive treatments are used to treat cavitated carious lesions, then the immediate treatment effect is achieved, but healthy tooth structure is damaged and pain is caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to healthy tooth structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The self-assembling peptide is applied to the tooth surface before the dental restoration to create a protective remineralizing layer. This preliminary action prepares the surface to promote remineralization and prevent secondary caries, reducing the need for future invasive treatments while avoiding damage to healthy structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The self-assembling peptide acts as an intermediary between the tooth structure and the dental restoration. It forms a bioactive interface that promotes remineralization and prevents secondary caries, mediating the interaction between the natural tooth and the artificial restoration to eliminate the need for invasive removal of healthy structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If dental restorations are placed to treat cavitated carious lesions, then the lesions are sealed and protected, but secondary caries occur due to restoration failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against cariesVSAvoidlifespan of dental restoration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The self-assembling peptide is applied before the restoration to create a long-lasting remineralizing interface. This preliminary action establishes a protective layer that continues to promote remineralization throughout the restoration's service life, preventing secondary caries and extending the functional duration of the restoration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The self-assembling peptide provides continuous remineralization activity at the restoration-tooth interface throughout the restoration's lifespan. This continuous useful action prevents secondary caries formation, maintaining protection against caries and extending the effective duration of the restoration by preventing failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If repeated treatments are performed to address secondary caries, then ongoing protection is maintained, but treatment frequency and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveongoing caries protectionVSAvoidtime for repeated treatments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The self-assembling peptide provides self-service by continuously promoting remineralization at the restoration interface without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains ongoing caries protection throughout the restoration's lifespan, eliminating the need for repeated treatments and saving patient time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The combination effectively prevents secondary caries and extends the lifespan of dental restorations by promoting remineralization at the site of failure, reducing the need for repeated treatments.

Implementation Method 1

Self-assembling peptides in the prevention and treatment of cavitated carious lesions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-assembly: Self-Assembly

Data Source

PatentUS12533300B2Self-assembling peptides in the prevention and treatment of cavitated carious lesions

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 CREDENTIS AG

AI summary

The invention is in the field of caries prevention and treatment, in particular minimally-invasive, or non-invasive dental decay treatment. It relates to a composition and a kit comprising a self-assembling peptide, such as the self-assembling peptide P11-4 or P11-8, and a dental agent, namely a dental sealant, e.g. a glass-ionomer cement-based sealant or a resin-based sealant, a fluoride varnish, a dental restorative material or a bonding agent. The invention further relates to a composition and kit comprising a self-assembling peptide and a dental agent for use in the treatment of a carious lesion, preferably a cavitated carious lesion. The self-assembling peptide prevents secondary caries after failure of the dental agent used in treatment of cavitated caries, especially in case of a failing interface between the restoration with the dental agent and the tooth. The composition and kit of the present invention may also be used for pulp capping.