Assessment of inorganic and organic components in demineralized tooth graft material

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the surface substructure, inorganic and organic components present in partially demineralized tooth bone graft material in young and old, male and female subjects, which may vary due to formation of secondary dentin suggesting decrease in calcium content as we age. A total of 34 extracted teeth were collected, 15 belonging to young patients and, the remaining 15 belonging to old patients, and, divided into 4 subgroups and a 4 control group. All the samples were cleaned, washed, air dried and powdered and demineralized. However the control group having 4 samples each was not demineralized. The samples were subjected to Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for surface substructure and inorganic component analysis, and Bradford Assay to assess the protein content. The SEM analysis revealed the presence of dentinal tubules, collagen and, dense crystals of hydroxyapatite in young subject samples, however in old subjects' collagen fibers were not visible, and hydroxyapatite crystals randomly scattered in clusters. The EDS results showed statistical significance in the Calcium Phosphorus ratio between the groups. Bradford Assay, showed higher concentration of proteins in female subject samples irrespective of age. It can be concluded that inorganic analysis showed young subjects had more densely packed hydroxyapatite crystals and slightly higher Calcium Phosphorus ratio and, high protein concentration was seen in female subjects' samples irrespective of age.