Peptides in Dentistry: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Currently, it remains unclear which specific peptides could be appropriate for applications in different fields of dentistry. The aim of this scoping review was to scan the contemporary scientific papers related to the types, uses and applications of peptides in dentistry at the moment. Literature database searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Scielo. A total of 133 articles involving the use of peptides in dentistry-related applications were included. The studies involved experimental designs in animals, microorganisms, or cells; clinical trials were also identified within this review. Most of the applications of peptides included caries management, implant osseointegration, guided tissue regeneration, vital pulp therapy, antimicrobial activity, enamel remineralization, periodontal therapy, the surface modification of tooth implants, and the modification of other restorative materials such as dental adhesives and denture base resins. The in vitro and in vivo studies included in this review suggested that peptides may have beneficial effects for treating early carious lesions, promoting cell adhesion, enhancing the adhesion strength of dental implants, and in tissue engineering as healthy promotors of the periodontium and antimicrobial agents. The lack of clinical trials should be highlighted, leaving a wide space available for the investigation of peptides in dentistry.

The Editorial Position on ‘Recent Advances in Multifunctional Antimicrobial Peptides as Preclinical Therapeutic Studies and Clinical Future Applications’

“…As reported in many in vitro and in vivo studies, these molecules are elective factors for oral infection and biomaterials to treat early carious lesions, promote cell adhesion, and enhance the adhesion strength of dental implants while preventing infection at the surgery site [25]. However, the small amount of data regarding animal models or clinical trials is a limitation for the future use of this biomaterial containing AMPs [25]. In this Special Issue, Cunha and coworkers developed a clinical trial to evaluate in vivo the antimicrobial properties and dental efficacy of a nisin-biogel in dogs [26].…”

“…One of the most relevant applications for AMPs in biomedical devices is in the field of biomaterials due to the anti-biofilm properties of these molecules [24]. As reported in many in vitro and in vivo studies, these molecules are elective factors for oral infection and biomaterials to treat early carious lesions, promote cell adhesion, and enhance the adhesion strength of dental implants while preventing infection at the surgery site [25]. However, the small amount of data regarding animal models or clinical trials is a limitation for the future use of this biomaterial containing AMPs [25].…”