Figure 4 | Scientific Reports

Figure 4

From: Proline-rich protein from S. mutans can perform a competitive mineralization function to enhance bacterial adhesion to teeth

Figure 4

SEM images of newly grown crystals (black arrows) on the tooth structure (white arrows) after mineralization. (e, i, m) are the early stage of mineralization (1 day), the other reactions continued 7 days. (a–d) normal tooth, (a) demineralized enamel rod; (b) demineralized dentin tube; (c) demineralized rod and inter-rod woven; (d) bundle crystals in enamel rod at high magnification. (e–h) AmH group, (e, f) 0.5–1.2 μm thick new layer attached to enamel rod and dentin tube; (g) hedgehog crystals globule; (h) radial needles/rods which look similar to bundle crystals in normal enamel rod. (i–l) Ag I/II group, 1–10 μm thick new layer deposited on surface of tooth (i) polygonal; (j) fractured sheet over 8 μm; (k) irregular block; (l) tiny stumps. (m–p) AmH + Ag I/II group, petal-like crystals with size of 2–20 μm, (m) prototype of sheet shape; (n) spherical sheet type same in glass surface; (o) petal crystals in sphere; (p) parallel needle-like structure attached to the petal.

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