Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine and Temple University in Philadelphia are developing a long-lasting dental implant that resists bacteria and generates electricity through chewing and brushing, the school said Sept. 9.
The implant is made with barium titanate and is made to last at least 20 years and includes a light source to conduct light therapy activated by motions of the mouth.
Results of the implant were published in two journals, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Advanced Healthcare Materials. The technology is one of 12 finalists in the Philadelphia-based Science Center’s QED Proof-of-Concept program, which provides funding and business development support for new healthcare technologies. The designation provides the group commercialization guidance. If advanced to the final three finalists, the researchers can receive up to $200,000 in funding.
Researchers said they hope to apply the same designs to joint replacement technologies, test new materials and alter the design to also encourage tissue integration.