Technology

The key components of our smart materials are highly reactive particles on a calcium-silicate/calcium-phosphate basis. The fabrication process of these particles is patented.

Our particles allow controlled release of ions and thus trigger various beneficial effects in dental hard tissue. Furthermore, the particles can be tailored in terms of composition and designed for their application in a specific target area (e.g. adhesion to dental hard tissue). The particles present the advantage of being ready for incorporation as fillers in cements, dental composites or other standard polymers. Successfully investigated polymers include but are not limited to self- and light-curable polymers, rubber-like polymers and biodegradable polymers.

Adaptation of the particles to a new field by modification of their composition was illustrated by radio-opaque additives [see reference below]. Radio-opacity is a key feature for dental materials as it allows the dentist to control the material radiographically. In a next step, the particles were combined with polymeric materials to create smart filling materials. These materials are radiopaque, bioactive, and become inert over time. They are thus ideal devices to seal teeth against opportunistic infections.

Example of radio-opaque property addition:
Mohn et al., International Endodontic Journal, 2010, 43(3), 210 – 217
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2591.2009.01660.x