Acquired salivary pellicle proteins (ASP) (ASP)

The acquired salivary pellicle is a thin, acellular film that forms on oral surfaces, primarily tooth enamel, through the selective adsorption of salivary proteins, glycoproteins, and lipids (Siqueira & Custodio, 2012). It serves as a critical interface between the tooth surface and the oral environment, providing lubrication and protecting the enamel from mechanical wear and acid-induced demineralization (Hannig & Joiner, 2006). However, the pellicle also acts as a scaffold for the initial attachment of primary colonizing bacteria, such as Streptococcus species, which can lead to the formation of dental biofilm and subsequent oral diseases like caries and periodontitis (Lendenmann et al., 2000). Therapeutic strategies often target the pellicle to either inhibit bacterial adhesion or enhance its protective properties through the use of antimicrobial agents, surfactants, or remineralizing compounds (Vitorino et al., 2006). Understanding the composition and dynamics of these oral surface proteins is essential for developing effective treatments for maintaining oral health and preventing biofilm-related infections.

Other names

Acquired enamel pellicleAEPDental pellicleSalivary filmOral mucosal pellicle

Drugs targeting the salivary pellicle primarily act by inhibiting bacterial colonization through the blocking of adhesion sites, promoting enamel remineralization by concentrating essential minerals at the tooth surface, reducing surface tension to prevent biofilm attachment, and neutralizing metabolic acids through the buffering capacity of adsorbed proteins.