Laser-assisted biomineralization of human dentin using PLGA nanoparticles in supersaturated calcium phosphate solution

The present study evaluated the effect of laser-assisted biomineralization of human dentin using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles incorporated into a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution. Thirty-three human mandibular third molars were sectioned to obtain standardised 1-mm dentin slabs, conditioned with 3% EDTA, and randomly allocated into three groups: ultrapure water (control), calcium phosphate solution, and calcium phosphate solution containing PLGA nanoparticles. All specimens were irradiated with an Er: YAG laser for 10 s in non-contact mode. Surface morphology, elemental composition, and crystalline phases were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The PLGA-incorporated group demonstrated the highest calcium content and Ca/P ratio, together with greater surface mineral deposition compared with the other groups. ( p < 0.001). XRD showed more pronounced reflections consistent with early-stage calcium phosphate deposition. Laser-assisted treatment in the presence of PLGA nanoparticles enhanced mineral deposition on dentin surfaces and shows potential as a preliminary surface mineral deposition strategy, pending functional, biological, and in vivo validation.