Fucosterol and Fucoxanthin Enhance Dentin Collagen Stability and Erosion Resistance Through Crosslinking and MMP Inhibition.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of fucosterol and fucoxanthin on ultimate microtensile strength (µUTS), dentin collagen cross-linking, erosion resistance, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition.

METHODS

Dentin beams and slices were prepared from extracted human teeth and treated with concentrations of 50 µg/mL, 100 µg/mL, and 200 µg/mL of fucosterol and fucoxanthin. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze collagen cross-linking. In situ zymography was used to quantify MMP activity inhibition. Molecular docking simulations were used to gain insights into the binding interactions between the compounds and dentin collagen/MMPs. In vitro erosion tests and 3D non-contact profilometry were used to evaluate erosion resistance. µUTS was measured to assess mechanical enhancement.

RESULTS

FTIR analysis showed increased collagen cross-linking in fucosterol and fucoxanthin treated groups, with notable shifts in amide II bands in a concentration-dependent manner. In situ zymography revealed effective MMP inhibition in fucosterol and fucoxanthin treated samples, with inhibition increasing at higher concentrations, supporting the stabilization of the dentin matrix. Molecular docking confirmed favorable binding interactions between the compounds and both collagen and MMPs. Erosion tests demonstrated significantly reduced dentin structure loss and surface roughness in the experimental samples. Treatment with fucosterol and fucoxanthin significantly increased µUTS values, compared to controls, indicating enhanced dentin strength.

CONCLUSION

Fucosterol and fucoxanthin from marine algae effectively enhance dentin mechanical properties and resistance to acid-induced erosion through collagen cross-linking and MMP inhibition. These findings suggest that these compounds could serve as promising natural treatments for dentin preservation against acid attacks, potentially improving oral health outcomes.