Scientists create protein gel that restores tooth enamel

A protein matrix instead of a filling

Researchers at the University of Nottingham and their colleagues have developed a protein coating that helps restore the mineral structure of damaged tooth enamel. The work was published in the journal Nature Communications on November 4, 2025; a ScienceDaily article on November 6 drew renewed attention to it, reports Gazeta.Ru.

How it works

Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, but once a tooth has formed, it cannot fully regrow. Its strength depends not only on the mineral composition but also on the precise arrangement of the crystals. The new material is made of elastin-like protein molecules and mimics the matrix that guides enamel formation during tooth development: the coating helps apatite crystals grow in the right orientation and bond with the existing surface.

Test results

In laboratory experiments on samples of human teeth, the researchers obtained a mineralized layer up to 10 micrometers thick. They assessed its structure and mechanical properties, as well as its resistance to acid and to loads simulating everyday use of teeth.

Who could benefit from it

The authors note that the approach is promising for surfaces with varying degrees of erosion, including cases where dentin — the tissue beneath the enamel — is exposed. In the future, it could help combat erosion and tooth sensitivity. For now, these are laboratory results only: the publication does not report any timeline for clinical use. Earlier, according to the same outlet, a drink was named that reduces the risk of developing tooth decay.