Objective: Theaflavin (TF) from the black tea can react to human salivary proline-rich proteins (PRPs) to form stains on exposed dental surfaces. Here, we employed a model of protein/pigment film using TF and dephosphorylated bovine β-casein (Dβ-CN), which has an extended conformation, similar to that of salivary PRPs, on a sensor surface to assess the efficacy of cysteine proteases (CPs) including papain, stem bromelain, and ficin, on removing TF bound to Dβ-CN and the control TF readsorption on the residual substrate surfaces was also measured.
Methods: The protein/pigment complex film was built by using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The efficacies of CPs were assessed by Boltzman equation model. The surface details were detected by grazing angle infrared spectroscopy spectra, atomic force microscopy images, and contact angles.
Results: The efficacy order of CPs on hydrolyzing protein/pigment complex film is ficin>papain>bromelain. The results from grazing angle infrared spectroscopy spectra, atomic force microscopy images, and contact angles demonstrated that TF bound on the Dβ-CN was effectively removed by the CPs, and the amount of TF readsorption on both the residual film of the Dβ-CN/TF and the Dβ-CN was markedly decreased after hydrolysis.
Conclusion: This study indicates the potential application of the CPs for tooth stain removal and suggests that these enzymes are worthy of further investigation for use in oral healthcare.
Keywords: Cysteine proteases; Dephosphorylated β-casein; Film; Hydrolysis; Theaflavin.
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