Channels

 

Special Offers & Promotions

 

 

Latest News

 

 

View Channel

New Products

 

 

View Channel

Video Presentations

 

 

View Channel

Separation Science

 

 

View Channel

Microscopy & Image Analysis

 

 

View Channel

Laboratory Automation & IT Solutions

 

 

View Channel

 

Building Teeth. Dental researchers use Malvern Zetasizer Nano to characterize tooth enamel made in the laboratory

Dental researchers use Malvern Zetasizer Nano to characterize tooth enamel made in the laboratoryDr Vuk Uskokovic, from the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, School of Dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is involved in a study that aims to mimic the growth of tooth enamel in the laboratory. A key analytical tool in this NIH-funded project is the Zetasizer Nano particle characterization system from Malvern Instruments. Harnessing the combined dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta-potential measurement capabilities of the instrument, Dr Uskokovic and his colleagues have been able to characterize the interaction between amelogenin protein, which makes up 90% of the enamel matrix, and the mineral component, hydroxyapatite. Self assembly of this particular protein is thought to be responsible for guiding the formation of enamel crystals. 

While dental techniques are often highly sophisticated, those available for restoring damaged dental tissue are less than perfect. Consequently there is a requirement for approaches that minimise tissue loss. According to Dr Uskokovic, if we understand how enamel forms naturally we can use the same compounds to rebuild the damaged enamel. 

In a paper entitled, ‘Zeta-potential and Particle Size Analysis of Human Amelogenins', (Uskokovic et al., J Dent Res 89(2):149-153, 2010) Dr Uskokovic and his colleagues deliver results that suggest that: "zeta-potential may be used as a control parameter in replicating the assembly of amelogenins in vitro."  The authors also note that: "...the meaning of the correlations established [in the paper] between zeta-potential and particle-particle attraction could be potentially applied to self-assembling proteins in general." 

When asked why he selected Malvern's Zetasizer Nano for his work, Dr Uskokovic said: "I had previous experience with the Zetasizer Nano, albeit with more robust inorganic substances, so when asked to purchase a protein particle characterization system I knew it might be a good candidate. In a side by side trial with a competitive product, there was no contest. Results from the Zetasizer Nano were both more reliable and more robust." 

Dr Uskokovic continued: "Proteins are sensitive to electric fields and during zeta potential measurements proteins are known to accidentally ‘cook' if you're not careful.  To achieve usable results, it was therefore necessary to fine tune our procedures to overcome these challenges and it was a huge advantage to have the experts at Malvern Instruments so readily available to answer questions and deliver detailed guidance. As a result, I am now able to pass on this tutelage to students volunteering in our lab." 

Having completed the initial study covering the characterization of amelogenin protein, including its proteolytic cleavage products, as published in the Journal of Dental Research, Dr Uskokovic is currently awaiting publication of a more comprehensive paper focusing on the interaction between amelogenin and its mineral counterpart in enamel. 

Malvern Instruments Zetasizer Nano delivers high quality DLS and zeta potential measurements in a single instrument. The combination of these techniques, and the reliability of results, makes the instrument ideal for protein characterization.

For further information, please visit: www.malverninstruments.com/zetasizer



 

Subscribe to any of our newsletters for the latest on new laboratory products, industry news, case studies and much more!

Newsletters from Lab Bulletin

 

Request your free copies HERE

 

 

 

Popular this Month

Top 10 most popular articles this month

 

 

Today's Picks

 


 

Looking for a Supplier?

Search by company or by product

 


Company Name:

Product:


 

 

 

 

Please note Lab Bulletin does not sell, supply any of the products featured on this website. If you have an enquiry, please use the contact form below the article or company profile and we will send your request to the supplier so that they can contact you directly.

Lab Bulletin is published by newleaf marketing communications ltd.


 

Media Partners

 

Exhibitions & Events