Supramolecular pellicle precursors

Abstract

Saliva contacting with solid surfaces in the oral cavity forms a coat termed the pellicle. However, its formation is not fully understood. Although indications for the existence of supramolecular pellicle precursors have been reported, the possible relationship between them and pellicle formation is unclear. This study investigates the ability of supramolecular precursors to form the pellicle via interaction with a solid surface. Fixed and unfixed salivary globes were spread onto a microscopic grid and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Biochemical pretreatment of saliva revealed that neither disulphide links nor transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking are responsible for maintaining the salivary globes, i.e. supramolecular pellicle precursors. However, the detergent, sodium dodecyl sulphate, caused dissociation of the salivary globes, indicating their micellar nature. Saliva contacting a formvar film for 10 s did not form a complete surface coating, but single supramolecular pellicle precursors were observed attached to the surface. After extension of the contact time to 60 s, a surface layer was formed by clustering and fusion of the supramolecular pellicle precursors. The supramolecular pellicle precursors are unstable and attain a thermodynamically more favourable state by adhesion to a solid surface. As a result, a layer of fused precursors covering the solid surface is formed -- the salivary pellicle.

The Pellicle and Erosion

“…In addition to ionic interactions, van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions will contribute to the adsorption of salivary proteins to the tooth surface [3]. Subsequent pellicle formation is characterized by protein-protein interactions and the adsorption of single proteins, protein agglomerates and other biomacromolecules, mainly from saliva but also from gingival crevicular fluid, blood, bacteria, mucosa and diet [1,5,6,8].…”

Salivary amylase – The enzyme of unspecialized euryphagous animals

“…It serves as a specific receptor for adherence of numerous 34 that contribute to pellicle formation. 29 Most likely, amylase is adsorbed in the pellicle layer with these heterotypic complexes. Amylase is immobilized in the pellicle in an active conformation.…”

Solid state NMR studies of molecular recognition at protein–mineral interfaces

“…Tooth enamel structural integrity is maintained through the supersaturation of saliva with respect to calcium and phosphate salts and through the lubricative action of proteins in the pellicle coating the oral surfaces [46][47][48][49][50]. Statherin and the proline-rich proteins (PRPs) prevent formation of accretions on the tooth surface by inhibiting both spontaneous calcium phosphate precipitation and hydroxyapatite (HAP) secondary crystal growth [51,52].…”