Microencapsulation Technology Leads To Novel Dental Sealant Material
An interdepartmental team of researchers from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, has unveiled new microencapsulation technology that has been incorporated into a novel dental sealant material.
An interdepartmental team of researchers from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, has unveiled new microencapsulation technology that has been incorporated into a novel dental sealant material. This development is the result of a collaboration between Mark Latta, DMD, MS, dean of Creighton’s School of Dentistry, and Stephen Gross, PhD, professor of chemistry in Creighton’s College of Arts and Sciences. Latta and Gross led more than 25 postgraduate and undergraduate student researchers in the 7-year project.
Likening the microcapsules to miniature “water balloons of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions,” Gross says this approach promotes remineralization of tooth structure, thus protecting against caries and supporting oral health. Beyond sealants, microencapsulation technology lends itself to other remineralization materials, the researchers note; for example, they suggest a bioactive orthodontic cement may be next on the horizon.
