Stain removal effect of novel papain- and bromelain-containing gels applied to enamel

Isolation of Proteolytic Enzyme from Pineapple Crown

The pineapple waste from the pineapple industry has contributed to an increase in waste in Malaysia and worldwide every year. A major type of endopeptidase enzymes found in pineapple is fruit bromelain, stem bromelain, ananain, and comasain. This study aims to extract and purify protease from the crown of MD2 pineapple. Protease was extracted and purified using anion exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and desalting before being identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Proteolytic activity was determined using the well diffusion method and Casein Digestion Unit. In the present study, the proteolytic assay showed that 1 kg crown of MD2 cultivar produced an activity of 126.0 ± 3.86 U/ml, a specific activity of 3937.50 U/mg. In the present study, the proteolytic assay showed that 1 kg crown of MD2 cultivar produced an activity of 126.0 ± 3.86 U/mL, a specific activity of 3937.50 U/mg and the total activity of 3.94 × 109 U. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was in the range of 25 to 35 kDa under the optimum condition of pH 7 and 37°C. Purification of the extract yielded a band at the molecular weight of 20–25 kDa at the optimum pH of 3 and 9 at 60°C. From LC-MS analysis, the purified enzyme from the crown extract was similar to ananain under accession number A0A199VSS3 (according to Uniprot). It had five unique peptides and covered 97/356 amino acids (44.9% coverage). The ananain (EC 3.4.22.31) is classified in the subfamilies of cysteine protease C1A (clan CA, family C1), a peptidase family related to papain. In conclusion, protease was extracted and identified as an ananain-like protease from the crown.

Effectiveness and Safety of Over-the-Counter Tooth-Whitening Agents Compared to Hydrogen Peroxide In Vitro

(1) This study investigated the whitening effect, cytotoxicity and enamel surface alterations induced by different over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching agents in comparison to hydrogen peroxide. (2) Human teeth (n = 60) were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n = 10), stained with coffee solution for 7 d, followed by a whitening period of 7 d with either placebo, bromelain, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, PAP or hydrogen peroxide. Color measurements were performed with a spectrophotometer. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were taken to assess the enamel structure. Cytotoxicity of the tested substances was assessed based on the cell viability of primary human fibroblasts. (3) The application of all whitening gels resulted in a greater color difference of the enamel (ΔE) in comparison to the negative control. Hydrogen peroxide caused the greatest color difference. Bromelain and PAP treatment showed no enamel surface changes, in contrast to hydrogen peroxide treatment, which showed very mild interprismatic dissolution. Bromelain was the only non-cytotoxic agent. (4) The maximum effect achieved by all OTC bleaching agents was the removal of stains, whereas hydrogen peroxide was capable of further whitening the teeth. Bromelain treatment was neither cytotoxic, nor resulted in enamel surface alterations, and its whitening effect was less, yet still effective, compared to hydrogen peroxide.

A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes-What Is Inside and What Is It For?

Mouthwashes are a very popular additional oral hygiene element and there are plenty of individual products, whose compositions are in a state of flux. The aim of our study was to investigate the compositions of mouthwashes and their functions, as well as to discuss their effectiveness in preventing and curing oral diseases and side effects. We searched for mouthwashes available on the market in Poland. We identified 241 individual mouthwash products. The extraction of compositions was performed and functions of the ingredients were assessed. Then, analysis was performed. The evaluation revealed that there are plenty of ingredients, but a typical mouthwash is a water-glycerine mixture and consists of additional sweetener, surfactant, preservative, and some colourant and flavouring agent, as well as usually having two oral health substances, anticaries sodium fluoride and antimicrobial essential oils. The effectiveness or side effects of several substances of mouthwashes were thoroughly discussed. We recommend not multiplying individual mouthwash products and their ingredients beyond medical or pharmaceutical necessity, especially without scientific proof.

A review on natural teeth whitening

BACKGROUND

Discoloration of teeth occurs for various reasons. Common ingredients like substances from tea and coffee, as well as antibiotics like tetracycline, or food dyes, can percolate into the teeth, and, as such, these stains may persist in the porous structure of the enamel. Smoking is also contributory to dental discoloration, with toxins of tobacco smoke accumulating in a similar way. With aging, teeth tend to be discolored with accumulation of various stains in addition to the enamel gradually eroding to expose the yellow dentin.

HIGHLIGHT

This review focused on the effect of several natural ingredients with teeth-whitening properties and their daily clinical application. Metabolic dental bleaching mechanisms, as well as tooth discoloration and decay, were also reviewed. The current scientific literature (mostly from 2000 to 2020) was consolidated from manuscripts retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar.

CONCLUSION

Natural teeth whitening effectively lightens the natural color of teeth without eroding dental surfaces. On the other hand, commercially available whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, in high concentrations, can lead to deproteinization and demineralization of teeth through oxidation processes. If used extensively, these compounds may cause a number of adverse effects. Alternative natural teeth-whiteners include ingredients like lemons, strawberries, oranges, papaya, and other fruits. Such natural ingredients offer a milder and safer way of whitening teeth than whiteners containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Preparation and In Vitro Characterization of Gels Based on Bromelain, Whey and Quince Extract

The growing interest in the appearance and color of teeth has led to the emergence of a wide range of teeth whitening methods, both in dental offices and in patients' homes. Concerns about the possible side effects or toxic effects of peroxide-based whitening gels leads to the identification of alternative whitening methods, based on natural compounds with mild action on tooth enamel and remineralizing effect. In this context, this study describes the preparation and in vitro analysis of whitening gels based on natural active agents-bromelain, quince and whey-using organic (polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol) and/or inorganic (silicate) excipients. Five natural products gels were prepared, containing bromelain extract, quince extract and whey, in various proportions. Two supplementary gels, one containing Lubrizol and another containing SiO2, were prepared. All gels were submitted for multiple in vitro analysis such as: SDS-PAGE analysis, UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy, antibacterial activity on Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The quince extract sample was the only one which completely discolored the blue dye on SDS-PAGE analysis. On the UV-vis spectra, the 303 nm band is assigned to an in situ modified form of bromelain. SEM images of gels containing SiO2 particles show evident marks of these particles, while the rest of the gels containing Lubrizol or whey are more uniform. Regarding antibacterial tests, the SiO2 gel samples did not show inhibition in any strains, but the other tested samples varied in the size of the inhibition diameter depending on the amicrobial strain tested; the protease activity of bromelain modulates the composition of the added whey proteins. Bromelain added as a nanoencapsulated assembly better preserves its integrity. The prepared gels showed antibacterial properties.

In vitro efficacy of commercial and experimental proteolytic enzyme-based whitening dentifrices on enamel whitening and superficial roughness

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the whiteness index (W_ID ) and surface roughness (Ra) of bovine enamel after simulated tooth brushing with different commercial and experimental whitening dentifrices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cylindrical enamel bovine specimens were acid etched, stained, and divided in nine groups (n = 8): Colgate® Optic White®, Crest® Baking Soda and Peroxide, Arm and Hammer® Advanced White™ Extreme Whitening, Rembrandt® Deeply White® + Peroxide, Close up® White Attraction Natural Glow, Hinode Prowhite, and experimental dentifrice containing papain (PP), bromelain (PB), or papain and bromelain (PPB). Ra and W_ID were obtained initially and after 600, 1200, and 3,600 cycles of simulated tooth brushing. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Ra was significantly influenced by both dentifrice (p = 0.043) and period of tooth-brushing simulation (p < 0.001). Except for PP and PPB, all groups showed a statistically significant increase in Ra after simulated tooth brushing. After staining and brushing, none of the materials tested increased the initial W_ID .

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of commercial whitening dentifrices may be related to their high abrasiveness. Experimental formulations tested provided a similar effect without undesired wear of enamel. Whitening dentifrices only act through an abrasive effect rather than bleaching the tooth structures. When used, special care must be taken for avoid undesired wear of enamel. Experimental dentifrices provided similar removal of extrinsic stains without undesired abrasiveness; however, this effect may be due to the use of less aggressive abrasives in their formulations.

Flash tooth whitening: A friendly formulation based on a nanoencapsulated reductant

Tooth whitening materials have not undergone relevant advances in the last years. Current materials base their action on the oxidant activity of peroxides, which present the disadvantage of requiring long application times, along with unpleasant side effects of dental hypersensitivity (e.g. sharp pain). In this work, a novel tooth whitening formulation based on the encapsulation of a reducing agent (sodium metabisulfite) in liposomes is developed. An experimental design was applied to optimize the formulation in terms of whitening action and safety, using bovine teeth as in vitro model. Results were obtained by colorimetry, profilometry and nanoindentation techniques. The comparison with standard whitening treatments showed a similar whitening action of the optimized formulation but in remarkable shorter application times. Moreover, teeth roughness values obtained with the presented formulation conformed with ISO 28399. As mechanism of action, results obtained from fluorescent confocal microscopy showed the liposomal formulation to form a layer surrounding the enamel surface, enhancing the treatment efficacy in terms of diffusion of the protected reductant towards the enamel. The better efficiency of this formulation encourages its use as an alternative to current oxidative treatments.

Novel in-office peroxide-free tooth-whitening gels: bleaching effectiveness, enamel surface alterations, and cell viability

To evaluate the bleaching ability, the effect on enamel surface and cytotoxicity of novel tooth-whitening formulations containing papain, ficin, or bromelain. Forty bovine dental discs (6 cm ×4 cm) were pigmentated and randomly allocated into the following groups (n = 10): Group 1, 20 wt% carbamide peroxide (control); group 2, 1% papain-based whitening; group 3, 1% ficin-based whitening; and group 4, 1% bromelain-based whitening. The whitening gels were prepared and applied on the enamel three times per day once a week, for 4 weeks. Color measurement was obtained by CIEDE2000. Enamel Knoop microhardness and roughness were evaluated. The WST-1 assay was used to evaluate the cell viability of mouse fibroblast cells (L929). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student Newman Keuls's post hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. Bromelain, ficin-based, and carbamide peroxide bleaching gels showed a similar color change (p < 0.001). Higher enamel hardness decrease and higher enamel roughness were caused by the carbamide peroxide (p < 0.05). The experimental whitening gels did not affect cell viability. Tooth bleaching gels containing bromelain, papain, or ficin have substantial clinical potential to be used in the development of peroxide-free tooth whitening gels.

Breaking the rules: tooth whitening by means of a reducing agent

OBJECTIVES

It is widely accepted that current tooth whitening treatment effect is based on the oxidizing action of peroxides, even if the mechanism of action remains still unclear. Treatments are claimed to be safe, but several secondary effects have been described, since long application times and high concentrations are needed. A faster whitening ingredient which permits the use of lower concentrations and shorter application times could potentially overcome this problem. In this work, a different approach based on a reducing agent, sodium metabisulfite (MBS), is explored.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The reaction between tannic acid (TA) with carbamide peroxide (CP), MBS, and potassium persulfate (PS), as an oxidizing agent, was monitored for 48 hours by measuring its absorbance, comparing their different whitening effects. The reduction process between TA and MBS was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. An in vitro test was used to observe if MBS whitens also stained teeth.

RESULTS

It is shown that MBS bleaching effect is faster and higher than CP's effect over time. PS produced a darkening effect after the 3rd hour because of the strong absorbance of the oxidation metabolite. Cyclic voltammetry showed a progressive increase in the intensity of the TA anodic peak when MBS was present, demonstrating that a reduction is taking place. In vitro, MBS showed a faster whitening performance than CP, using lower concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a TA solution as a staining model, it was possible to show that MBS has a visible bleaching effect through a reduction reaction, faster than CP, both in solution and in vitro. Low concentrations of MBS are effective in whitening.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This work shows MBS as a promising candidate to develop novel whitening treatments, which is acting by reducing mechanism instead of oxidation.

Avaliação in vitro do efeito de dentifrícios branqueadores contendo blue covarine sobre o esmalte dentário bovino

Resumo Introdução O blue covarine é um agente branqueador que promove mudanças ópticas na superfície dos dentes, associado aos abrasivos dos dentifrícios, colaborando para o branqueamento dentário. Objetivo Determinar as alterações de cor, rugosidade e massa do esmalte bovino, após escovação simulada com dentifrícios branqueadores contendo blue covarine nos tempos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Material e método 80 corpos de prova (CP) foram divididos em 8 grupos (n = 10): grupo controle (GC-água) e 7 grupos teste (GT1-Colgate Total 12, GT2-Oral-B 3D White Perfection, GT3-Colgate Luminous Instant White, GT4-Close Up White Diamond Attraction, GT5-Close Up White-Glacier Fresh, GT6-Sorriso Xtreme White, GT7-Colgate Luminous White Advanced). Os CP foram escurecidos com café e submetidos à escovação simulada por 6, 12 e 24 meses. As avaliações de cor, rugosidade e massa foram realizadas após cada período de escovação. Resultado Nenhum dentifrício teste promoveu alterações significativas na rugosidade e massa dos CP, contudo, quando comparados ao GC todos promoveram branqueamento significativo. A comparação dos grupos teste não demonstrou diferença significativa na variação de cor entre GT1, GT2, GT3, GT5, GT6 e GT7 nos tempos estudados. O GT4 apresentou comportamento variável de acordo com o tempo, não diferindo estatisticamente de GT3 aos 6, 12 e 24 meses, de GT6 aos 6 e 12 meses e de GT7 aos 12 meses. Conclusão O efeito branqueador dos dentifrícios contendo blue covarine , após 2 anos de escovação, parece estar relacionado principalmente com a sua associação aos agentes branqueadores mecânicos, que promoveram o polimento das superfícies dentárias.