Validation of mechanically-assisted sodium dodecyl-sulphate elution as a technique to remove pellicle protein components from human enamel

Abstract

The salivary film, denoted the pellicle, formed on oral surfaces is of great importance for oral health and comfort. The present study describes mechanically-assisted sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) elution of the in vivo pellicle formed on human enamel and visualisation of the desorbed pellicle proteins using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). To verify this removal of the pellicle, a combined mechanical and surfactant procedure was additionally performed on an in vitro pellicle formed on human enamel, and the effectiveness was validated by mechanical removal in combination with HCl. As indicated by protein quantitation and one dimensional gel electrophoresis, rubbing with polyamide fibre pellets soaked in a 0.5% SDS solution was optimal for completely removing the adsorbed proteins from the enamel surface, and yet provided separation of the proteins by 2-DE to enable identification in future studies.

Keywords:

• saliva
• gel electrophoresis
• surfactant
• validation studies
• enamel surface

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Erratum

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Mrs Ulla-Britt Larsson for skillful guidance and advice concerning gel electrophoresis. This study was supported by research grants from Malmö University, the Swedish Dental Society, the Swedish Patent Revenue Fund for Research in Preventive Dentistry, the Swedish Laryng Foundation, the Crafoord Foundation and the Knowledge Foundation (KK stiftelsen, Biofilms-research centre for biointerfaces).