Development of a novel in vitro model for non-cavitated carious lesion formation reflecting carious lesion activity

초록

Background: Oral biofilms are a critical component in dental caries formation<bold>.</bold> However, current remineralization studies often overlook the impact of microbial factors. Therefore, a comprehensive clinically relevant assessment of caries is needed. This study aimed to develop a novel in vitro model capable of generating non-cavitated carious lesions that incorporates both mineral loss and microbial activity using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) technology. Methods: A total of 44 artificial early carious lesions were formed using bovine incisors. The extent of fluorescence loss (Delta F) was analyzed using a QLF-D camera. Oral microcosm biofilms were then employed to construct 22 active and 22 inactive carious lesions. The red fluorescence emission rate (Delta R) and bacterial viability (Ratio(G/)(G)(+)(R)) was measured using QLF-D camera and a live-dead bacterial assay, respectively. Independent t-tests were performed to compare Delta F, Delta R, and bacterial viability of artificial carious lesions according to their activity status. Results: No significant difference in Delta F between the lesions was found based on activity status (p = 0.361). However, the Delta R of active lesions was 1.82 times higher than that of inactive lesions, and the Ratio(G/)(G)(+)(R) was 1.49 times higher in active lesions than in inactive lesions (both p < 0.001). Conclusions: The significant differences observed in Delta R and Ratio(G/)(G)(+)(R) between active and inactive lesions emphasize the importance of considering lesion activity status when evaluating the potential efficacy of remineralization agents. This study presents a novel in vitro remineralization assessment model that reflects carious lesion activity while controlling baseline mineral distributions of lesions.

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