Overview
- King’s College London researchers report that keratin extracted from wool formed an enamel-like coating that mimics natural tooth enamel in laboratory models.
- The keratin scaffold attracted calcium and phosphate from saliva to mineralize the tooth surface, restoring a protective layer rather than merely slowing wear.
- In vitro experiments found the coating completely prevented enamel erosion and reduced sensitivity by blocking exposed nerve channels.
- The work, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, positions keratin as a potential sustainable alternative to synthetic dental resins used in restorative care.
- The team envisions a daily-use toothpaste and a dentist-applied gel, with a two‑to‑three‑year timeline described as their goal pending development, trials, and regulatory review.