Promoting the remineralisation of subsurface caries lesions
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Edinburgh
Department Name: Sch of Chemistry
Abstract
Project Aim: To develop methods to promote the remineralisation of lesions in tooth enamel.
This collaborative project with Reminova will explore electro-chemical deposition methods to induce the remineralisation of lesions in the tooth enamel, aiming for the repair of the tooth. The project will focus on electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman) to investigate the mechanisms of electro-chemical precipitation of hydroxyapatite on enamel and methods to improve the remineralisation and repair of the tooth. This project is a collaboration between the School of Chemistry, the School of Dentistry and Reminova.
This collaborative project with Reminova will explore electro-chemical deposition methods to induce the remineralisation of lesions in the tooth enamel, aiming for the repair of the tooth. The project will focus on electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques (SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman) to investigate the mechanisms of electro-chemical precipitation of hydroxyapatite on enamel and methods to improve the remineralisation and repair of the tooth. This project is a collaboration between the School of Chemistry, the School of Dentistry and Reminova.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509644/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1941120 | Studentship | EP/N509644/1 | 01/09/2017 | 28/02/2021 | Dahlia Eldosoky |
| Description | Utilising electrochemical methods results in the enhancement of calcium phosphate crystallisation. Applying a potential is capable of generating thin films of amorphous calcium phosphate, at early time points, such that these were imaged using electron microscopy and diffraction data provided the information regarding the type of material produced. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy was able to give more mechanistic insight on how the process is faster compared to no application of a field. The electric field was used on a collagen membrane, a substrate mimicking bone and teeth, along with a calcium phosphate solution and the results indicated that the field was capable of depositing plates of calcium phosphate material on the surface of a collagen membrane. This was also tested on real tooth but the results showed that further investigation was required. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of the research will provide the fundamentals of the process of using electrochemical methods for enhancing calcium phosphate crystallisation. This could be taken forward by other prospective researchers to further validate and optimise the process, focusing on biologically relevant materials for remineralisation, such as teeth and bone. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Collaborating with the Electrochemistry Group in the School of Chemistry |
| Organisation | University of Edinburgh |
| Department | School of Chemistry |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The contributions made by me include providing crystallisation knowledge, electron microscopy/diffraction and basic intellectual chemistry input in order to attain the project goal. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The electrochemistry group have provided immense electrochemistry knowledge and help, especially aiding in training with instruments such as potentiostats. Their expertise included aiding in data manipulation/analysis to intellectual contributions with the overall research goal. |
| Impact | The collaboration is multi-disciplinary as it is bringing both the electrochemistry and crystallisation fields together. Through this collaboration, we have been able to utilise various techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry/chronopotentiometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron microscopy and electron diffraction to provide a comprehensive look into the extent of enhancing calcium phosphate crystallisation via an electric field. Through this, we are on route to providing a model of how the process happens. This is a platform for utilising such process for more biologically relevant materials such as bone and teeth. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Oral Presentation at 2020 Materials Science and Engineering Congress |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Participated in the 2020 Materials Science and Engineering Congress where I gave a talk during the Biomaterials session about my PhD work. The purpose of this was to practice presenting my research by conveying complex ideas and techniques. The audience were mainly those who have a materials background and this therefore resulted in engagement and questions from fellow audience members. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Oral Presentation for Bioelectrochemistry Session at 2020 Butler Meeting |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Participated in the 2020 Butler Meeting where I gave a talk during the bioelectrochemistry session about my PhD work. The purpose of this was to practice presenting my research by conveying complex ideas and techniques. The audience were mainly those who have an electrochemistry background and this therefore resulted in engagement and questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |