Artificial saliva made from sugarcane protein protects teeth from acid and decay
Science News
from research organizations
Artificial saliva made from sugarcane protein protects teeth from acid and decay
A breakthrough sugarcane protein may soon protect teeth like natural saliva—even when the body can’t.
Date:
April 5, 2026
Source:
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Summary:
Scientists have created an artificial saliva using a sugarcane protein that can protect teeth and fight bacteria. The key ingredient, CANECPI-5, binds directly to enamel, forming a shield against acids that cause decay. Early tests show it works even better when paired with fluoride and xylitol, significantly reducing damage to teeth. The innovation could be especially life-changing for cancer patients who lose saliva production after treatment.
Share:
FULL STORY
A sugarcane-derived protein is powering a new artificial saliva that can shield teeth from acid and bacteria. Credit: Shutterstock
A new type of artificial saliva, delivered as a mouthwash and made using a lab-modified sugarcane protein called CANECPI-5, could help protect the teeth of patients with head and neck cancer. These patients often undergo radiotherapy near the mouth, which can damage salivary glands and reduce saliva production. Because saliva plays a key role in controlling bacteria and maintaining oral health, its loss can lead to serious dental problems.
Researchers at the Bauru School of Dentistry at the University of São Paulo (FOB-USP) in Brazil found that CANECPI-5 creates a protective "shield" over teeth. This layer helps defend enamel from acids found in beverages like juice and alcohol, as well as acids from the stomach. The findings were published in the Journal of Dentistry.
International Research Collaboration and Study Design
The research was carried out during the doctoral work of Natara Dias Gomes da Silva at FOB-USP. The project included collaboration with scientists from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil, the University of California in San Francisco in the United States, and Yonsei University College of Dentistry in South Korea.
The study is part of the Thematic Project "Modulation of acquired pellicle to control dental mineral loss: unveiling mechanisms to make therapies possible," coordinated by Professor Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf at FOB-USP.
"We tested the mouthwash developed with CANECPI-5 by applying this solution to small pieces of animal teeth once a day for one minute. Based on these results, we'll conduct further research so that we can think about applications of this product," adds Silva, the first author of the article.
How Artificial Saliva Strengthens Tooth Enamel
"This is the first product that uses the concept of acquired pellicle [a thin protective layer that quickly forms on the tooth surface] to treat xerostomia, which is the sensation of a dry mouth caused by a lack of saliva. We use substances that will reformulate the composition of the proteins that bind to the teeth," explains Buzalaf.
"We've developed a process in which CANECPI-5 binds directly to tooth enamel, helping to make teeth more resistant to the action of acids produced by bacteria," Silva points out.
The study showed that CANECPI-5 works best when combined with fluoride and xylitol. In testing, the artificial saliva spray reduced bacterial activity and slowed tooth demineralization -- the process by which teeth lose calcium and phosphate, making them more vulnerable to cavities.
A Potential Solution for Severe Cavities After Cancer Treatment
This development is especially important because there is currently no dedicated product available to treat the severe cavities that often occur after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
"Artificial saliva improves the sensation of dry mouth and sores. This helps with discomfort and also combats bacteria. In some cases, the use of this type of product is only for a short time. In others, it's permanent, because many individuals lose the ability to produce saliva," adds Buzalaf.
The CANECPI-5 protein has already been patented. The next step is to scale up production by partnering with companies interested in bringing the technology to market.
"We've already tested the solution as a mouthwash, gel, and orodispersible film, which is a type of plastic that's placed on the tongue and dissolves, releasing the protein. We've tested it in several vehicles and found that CANECPI-5 works very well in all of them. We'll continue testing other technologies within the Thematic Project to use not only this protein, but others as well," says Buzalaf.
The Discovery of CANECPI-5 From Sugarcane Research
According to Flávio Henrique Silva, a professor in the Department of Genetics and Evolution at UFSCar who helped develop CANECPI-5, the work stems from earlier research on cystatins (a family of proteins involved in various biological processes) conducted as part of the Su