The importance of the salivary pellicle

Abstract

The acquired salivary pellicle forms rapidly on any type of surface exposed to the oral environment. The adsorption of salivary biomolecules onto solid surfaces is a very complex process determined by the interplay of the substrate, proteins, and other components from saliva as well as the surrounding environmental conditions, e.g., ionic strength, shear forces, and nutrition. The acquired pellicle will act as a multifunctional protective layer for the underlying surface providing lubrication and partial protection against wear. In contrast to the huge number of publications covering the pellicle's formation, composition, and functional properties on the tooth surface, only very sparse information is available on the salivary pellicle formed in situ or in vivo on dental materials. The pellicle layer will contribute to some extent to the passivation of the surface chemistry and masking of the surface texture of dental materials. Currently, the proteome of the acquired pellicle layer formed in situ on ceramics has been characterized in detail, thereby identifying more than 1180 proteins as well as 68 main proteins contributing to the formation of the 3-min pellicle. Open questions and challenges of the salivary pellicle's impact in restorative dentistry and material's science are highlighted. Future directions in research considering pellicle formation, composition, and function on dental materials are discussed.