Figure 5.

SEM images of the regenerated HAP layers formed on control and on rP172-treated samples after 7 days of incubation in artificial saliva in pH 7.0 at 37 °C. (a) Cross-sectional view of the control sample (without peptide) shows an irregular, roughened surface with a complete detachment at the regenerated layer–enamel interface. (b) Magnified image of the square in panel (a) displays porosities in mineral formation (white circles) with a complete loss of attachment (white arrows). (c) Cross-sectional views of samples treated in rP172 demonstrate a uniform dense, smooth coating with a seamless interface. (d) Magnified image of the square in panel (c) displays long, needlelike crystallites bound firmly to the underlying enamel prisms (white arrows).