Carbon dots combined with phytosphingosine inhibit acid-induced demineralization of hydroxyapatite in vitro

• Published in: Archives of oral biology 2024-04, Vol.160, p.105911-105911, Article 105911
• Main Authors: Fu, Cuicui, Brand, Henk S., Nazmi, Kamran, Werner, Arie, van Splunter, Annina, Bikker, Floris J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acid-induced demineralization; Carbon dots; Dental erosion; Hydroxyapatite; Phytosphingosine
• ISSN: 0003-9969; 1879-1506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105911

To study the effects of carbon dots (CDs), in combination with phytosphingosine (PHS), against acid-induced demineralization of hydroxyapatite in vitro. CDs were generated from citric acid and urea by microwave heating. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), FT-IR, and fluorescence intensity were used to characterize the CDs. A hydroxyapatite (HAp) model was used to investigate the protective effects of CDs, PHS, and their combinations with and without a salivary pellicle against acid-induced demineralization in vitro. Ca2+ release as a parameter to evaluate the inhibition of demineralization was measured by capillary electrophoresis. The interactions between CDs, PHS, and HAp discs were investigated using a fluorescence detector. Uniform-sized CDs were synthesized, showing typical optical characteristics. CDs exhibited no inhibition of acid-induced demineralization in vitro, in contrast to PHS. Notably, a pre-coating of CDs increased the protective effects of PHS against acid-induced demineralization, which was not disturbed by the presence of a salivary pellicle and Tween 20. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the binding and layers formed of both CDs and PHS to the HAp surfaces. Based on fluorescence spectra CDs binding to HAp seemed to be dependent on Ca2+ and PO43- interactions. CDs combined with PHS showed protective effects against acid-induced demineralization of HAp discs in vitro. •Carbon dots can be easily synthesized and show optical characteristics in vitro.•The protective effect with phytosphingosine is increased by carbon dots against acid-induced demineralization .•Phytosphingosine is promoted to form a complete layer on the surface of hydroxyapatite discs in the presence of carbon dots.•Carbon dots’ binding to hydroxyapatite seems to be dependent on calcium and phosphate interactions.