Biomimetic approaches and materials in restorative and regenerative dentistry: review article

Abstract

Biomimetics is a branch of science that explores the technical beauty of nature. The concept of biomimetics has been brilliantly applied in famous applications such as the design of the Eiffel Tower that has been inspired from the trabecular structure of bone. In dentistry, the purpose of using biomimetic concepts and protocols is to conserve tooth structure and vitality, increase the longevity of restorative dental treatments, and eliminate future retreatment cycles. Biomimetic dental materials are inherently biocompatible with excellent physico-chemical properties. They have been successfully applied in different dental fields with the advantages of enhanced strength, sealing, regenerative and antibacterial abilities. Moreover, many biomimetic materials were proven to overcome significant limitations of earlier available generation counterpart. Therefore, this review aims to spot the light on some recent developments in the emerging field of biomimetics especially in restorative and regenerative dentistry. Different approaches of restoration, remineralisation and regeneration of teeth are also discussed in this review. In addition, various biomimetic dental restorative materials and tissue engineering materials are discussed.

Rapid Deposition of the Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite-Polydopamine-Amino Acid Composite Layers onto the Natural Enamel

“…Dental composites containing bioinspired mineral and organic components such as nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, amino acids, polymers, etc. are the subject of current topical research. − These smart materials are in demand to restore lost dental hard tissue as part of the biomimetic approach in dentistry, where it becomes possible to restore the function and vitality of teeth through restorations. − This requires imitating the natural tissue: the fibrous structure and morphology of the dental organomineral complex with its unique biomechanical properties. ,, …”

“…At the same time, the introduction of organic polymers into the composition of bioinspired material allows us to achieve chemical modification and functionalization of the formed biomimetic layer, as well as to bind it to the natural mineralized tissue. ,− Recently, a nature-like adhesive, polydopamine (PDA), which contains a variety of functional molecular groups, including amine, catechol, and quinone groups, has shown high potential for clinical application. ,, Due to this, PDA is able to form strong bonds with the surface of almost all known materials regardless of their chemical composition. In particular, it is known that PDA is able to bind to Ca 2+ ions of hydroxyapatite through functional groups, which contributes to the formation of a biomimetic mineralized layer. , Recently, it has been suggested that codeposition of phosphates with polydopamine (PDA) may be a simple and promising strategy to activate enamel and dentin mineralization and modify their surface . The hybrid organomineral interfaces thus formed may facilitate the regeneration of enamel-like layers in dental defect repair procedures.…”

“…It should be noted that this rather simple approach for the formation of multilayer biomimetic coatings based on nano-cHAp, amino acids, and PDA by layer-by-layer accelerated deposition should obviously not affect the intrinsic properties of the biocomposite. ,, However, the process of material formation from multiple components is still quite complex. ,, The properties of the biocomposite will depend on both the ratio of components and the kind of interaction between them and the synthesis conditions (temperature, pH, concentration, reaction time, etc.). Moreover, in multilayer deposition, the fact that the biomimetic layer inherits the properties (morphological organization) of the substrate on which the coating formation technique has been developed is undoubtedly a problem. ,, This is not always acceptable when translating or adapting the technology for other objects.…”

“… 1 − 3 These smart materials are in demand to restore lost dental hard tissue as part of the biomimetic approach in dentistry, where it becomes possible to restore the function and vitality of teeth through restorations. 2 − 5 This requires imitating the natural tissue: the fibrous structure and morphology of the dental organomineral complex with its unique biomechanical properties. 3 , 5 , 6 …”

Analyzing biomimetic dentistry YouTube videos' quality and content

“…In traditional dentistry, dental components are extracted and replaced with rigid materials. These methods and materials reduce restorative durability and the tooth's structural tensile strength (3).…”