Bioactive nanomaterial for treatment of dental caries

This technology is a bioactive nanomaterial for the treatment of dental caries that rescues enamel mineralization and delivers probiotics to inhibit recurrence.

Unmet Need: Dental caries treatment to repair tooth enamel and prevent reinfection

Dental caries is a very common disease caused by the degradation of tooth enamel by acidic byproducts secreted from plaque-forming bacteria. Current treatments for dental caries involve using synthetic resin as a filling to prevent further decay and infection. This therapeutic strategy is limited because the resin does not allow for remineralization of the enamel or integration with the tissue, creating cracks that are susceptible to recurrence. Therefore, new therapies that support remineralization of the enamel and prevent reinfection are necessary.

The Technology: Bioactive nanomaterial supporting enamel remineralization and antimicrobial activity

This technology is a treatment for dental caries that utilizes a bioactive nanomaterial platform to simultaneously promote enamel remineralization and probiotic delivery, thereby preventing reinfection. This nanomaterial enables the deposition of hydroxyapatite, the primary mineral of enamel, under both healthy and acidic conditions by increasing the pH of saliva. This nanomaterial also acts as a delivery vehicle for a probiotic bacterium that has demonstrated effectiveness at reducing the viability and acidogenicity of a common bacterium associated with primary and recurrent dental caries.

This technology has been validated in a simulated oral environment.

Applications:

  • Treatment for dental caries
  • Delivery of probiotics to potential sites of reinfection
  • Remineralization of decaying enamel
  • Delivery system for therapeutics to teeth and hard tissue

Advantages:

  • Prevents cavity and infection recurrence
  • Rescues enamel structure
  • Integrates with tissue

Lead Inventor:

Helen Lu, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2023/102150)

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