In vitro inhibition of enamel demineralization by a polymerizable amphiphilic film.

An amphiphilic coating is configured as a substantive film that has a tendency for an in-plane two-dimensional polymerization. This coating is hypothesized to protect enamel from in vitro acid decalcification, assessed through the following artificial caries model. Three regions on labial enamel of eight bovine incisors were treated with an acid resistant varnish (A), the amphiphilic coating (B), or left undisturbed (C), and the teeth were immersed for 3 wk in lactic acid gel. Mineral loss (deltaZ-value) was determined by a cross-sectional microhardness technique. deltaZ-values (mean +/- SD; volume percent mineral-microm) were: -4 +/- 24 (A), 29 +/- 69 (B), and 7,372 +/- 1,766 (C). deltaZ-value of the uncoated enamel (C) was significantly different from the other groups. Scanning electron microscopy showed enamel etched pattern from citric acid, and the coating firmly attached on enamel surface. This amphiphilic coating can inhibit enamel decalcification under the present experimental condition.