UltraSOuNd-controlled drug release from Antimicrobial particles for denTAl tissues
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Chemistry
Abstract
Dental caries is the breakdown of the hard dental tissues by the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. It is recognised that many children and adults suffer unnecessary pain due to the destruction of the tooth and infection of the pulp (nerve). If not treated, then the tooth needs to ultimately be extracted. This non-communicable disease is entirely preventable. Eliminating the established oral biofilm that houses the bacteria that start this destructive process is however a challenge. Once bacteria break through the enamel of the tooth their passage to the pulp of the tooth is helped by the structure of dentine. This hard, dental tissue contains numerous microchannels (dentine tubules), which communicate from the external surface of the tooth to the internal pulp. The biofilm may be prevented by diet and use of fluoride toothpastes but once established is difficult to eradicate. Antibiotics are not very effective as there is no blood supply that enables them to reach the infected area and are therefore misused in the treatment of dental infections. A local treatment is proposed that allows for the rapid release of antibacterial agents at the site of infection.
In this research programme we aim to rapidly tackle biofilm infections with an interdisciplinary approach based on a novel particle platform for localised drug-delivery using ultrasound as an external-physical stimulus to trigger the release of an encapsulated antibacterial agent from inside the particles. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chemistry, dentistry and fluid mechanics to study the ultrasound triggered activation and delivery of the silica particles in endodontic model structures, biofilms and explanted teeth. To this end we will use existing dental instruments such as ultrasonic scalers in kHz frequencies which are commonly used in dental clinics. We will employ unique flow characterisation approaches to clarify the effects of ultrasound on particle motion, directing the particles to the biofilm, and on agent release. We have chosen to work with silica particles due to their biocompatibility and the wide applicability of silica materials in dentistry. We will use particle designs to control the entrapment of the antibacterial agent which can only be released upon application of the ultrasound trigger. The particles will be developed with luminescent properties to allow optical detection of their motion in flow and to monitor the antibacterial agent release in solution.
We aim to tackle problems in dental healthcare and to accelerate particle based therapies in dental practice through our impact activities. The proposed research will also provide revolutionary ways for antibiotic delivery in other areas of healthcare where localized treatment of infection is challenging (prosthetics, catheters).
In this research programme we aim to rapidly tackle biofilm infections with an interdisciplinary approach based on a novel particle platform for localised drug-delivery using ultrasound as an external-physical stimulus to trigger the release of an encapsulated antibacterial agent from inside the particles. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chemistry, dentistry and fluid mechanics to study the ultrasound triggered activation and delivery of the silica particles in endodontic model structures, biofilms and explanted teeth. To this end we will use existing dental instruments such as ultrasonic scalers in kHz frequencies which are commonly used in dental clinics. We will employ unique flow characterisation approaches to clarify the effects of ultrasound on particle motion, directing the particles to the biofilm, and on agent release. We have chosen to work with silica particles due to their biocompatibility and the wide applicability of silica materials in dentistry. We will use particle designs to control the entrapment of the antibacterial agent which can only be released upon application of the ultrasound trigger. The particles will be developed with luminescent properties to allow optical detection of their motion in flow and to monitor the antibacterial agent release in solution.
We aim to tackle problems in dental healthcare and to accelerate particle based therapies in dental practice through our impact activities. The proposed research will also provide revolutionary ways for antibiotic delivery in other areas of healthcare where localized treatment of infection is challenging (prosthetics, catheters).
Organisations
- University of Birmingham (Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Federal Institute For Materials Research and Testing (Project Partner)
- GlaxoSmithKline (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Oxford HighQ Ltd (Project Partner)
Publications
Koulogiannis A
(2024)
Ultrasonic irrigation flows in root canals: effects of ultrasound power and file insertion depth
in Scientific Reports
Muguruza A
(2024)
Antibiotic entrapment in antibacterial micelles as a novel strategy for the delivery of challenging antibiotics from silica nanoparticles
in Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
Description | We have developed new silica particles with antimicrobial agents for their delivery in dental tissues. We have shown the effect of ultrasound in antimicrobial delivery. We examined the effect of ultrasound in flows in root canal models. |
Exploitation Route | Development of new drug formulation for local drug delivery using ultrasound; new ultrasound developments |
Sectors | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) |
Amount | £12,839,814 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/M01116X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2015 |
End | 09/2023 |
Description | PhD studentship |
Amount | £110,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2023 |
End | 09/2027 |
Description | Undergraduate Research Project (2 months), funding: internal (education) - Biomedical Sciences |
Amount | £1,200 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 04/2023 |
Description | Undergraduate Research Project (6 months), funding: internal (education) |
Amount | £1,200 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 04/2023 |
Title | New materials |
Description | New nanoparticles with antibacterial agents have been developed |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Antibacterial activity will be examined to form a publications |
Description | Development of new Antibacterial delivery methods |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of a proposal for BBSRC-funded PHD studentship |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner contributes expertise in microbiology |
Impact | BBSRC-MIBT studentship |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Nanoparticles platfroms for drug delivery |
Organisation | BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Exchange of visits and samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | Exchange of visits, experimental techniques and methods |
Impact | Manuscript submitted: Cetylpyridinium chloride for inclusion of challenging antibiotics in silica nanoparticles Asier R. Muguruza‡, Maria L. Odyniec‡, Menisha Manhota, Zaina Habib Knut Rurack, Jessica M. A. Blair, Sarah Kuehne, A. Damien Walmsley, Zoe Pikramenou Conference presentations as outlined in main section |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Ultrasound in flows |
Organisation | University College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | JOint meetings in EPSRC grant |
Collaborator Contribution | Exchange of samples |
Impact | Manuscript submitted: Ultrasonic irrigation flows in root canals: effects of scaler power and tip penetration depth |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Anaerobe Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Dr. Sarah Kuehne Invited talk: ""Models to study management and prevention of oral biofilms" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://microbiologysociety.org/event/society-events-and-meetings/anaerobe-2023.html |
Description | Careers in Chemistry |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Grace Ball -PhD student delivered talk for Year 10 student deciding to choose STEM subjects for A level |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Engagement with another EPSRC network |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk and discussion with an EPSRC programme grant Ultrasurge which is a project looking into utilising ultrasound in surgery. The talk reached out researchers, clinicians and students in three organisations |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Event of Careers in STEM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | An event : Careers of Women in STEM for SONATA team members at UoB with sixth form pupils of local school Participation: Zoe Pikramenou, Grace Ball and Maria Odyniec |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Healthcare Technologies INstitute Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talks by Maria Odyniec and Grace Ball on Silica nanoparticles for antimicrobial activity in dental tissues |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | International Conference (EUROBIC16 ) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Research results presented in academic audience. New collaborations with institutions in Ireland and USA have been discussed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://eurobic16.sciencesconf.org/ |
Description | International Conference (European Society for Biomaterials) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Poster on Luminescent Silica Nanoparticles for Monitoring Drug Delivery |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | International Conference (MSMLG22) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Academic audience attended presentatin of latest results. Invitation of submission of paper in themed issue |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://msmlg2022.org/ |
Description | National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) showcase in collaboration with Medilink Midlands, Nottingham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Dr. Sarah Kuehne-Invited oral presentation "Models to study management and prevention of oral biofilms |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Online Poster meeting Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation 'Stimuli responsive silica nanoparticles with antimicrobial release for treatment of bacterial biofilms' First prize award Healthcare technologies |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Pint of Science 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Maria Odyniec talk on Nanoparticles vs Bacteria |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Poster presentation at Eurobiofilms conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | I presented a poster on the SONATA research at the international Eurobiofilms meeting in Mallorca in August 2022. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://eurobiofilms2022.com/ |
Description | RSC Chemical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Network Annual Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Grace Ball presented a poster titled 'FRET Responsive Silica Nanoparticles for Localised Antibiotic Release Using Ultrasound' Researchers in many areas of Nanoscience attended |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | RSC photophysics and Photochemistry Group Early Careers Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presented a poster titled 'FRET Responsive Silica Nanoparticles for Localised Antibiotic Release Using Ultrasound' |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/events/detail/76891/rsc-photophysics-and-photochemistry-group-early-career-meeti... |
Description | Research presentation to 2nd year undergraduate students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | As part of an optional 2nd year module our biomedical science students can pick a Biomaterials option. Within this module I gave a seminar about our current research and spoke about the SONATA project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | School Careers Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Grace Ball in Alumni panel event Bolton School Careers in Science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | School visit (Birmingham) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 20 pupils attended workshop about Chemistry-Chemical Engineering comparisons of courses |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Science Careers Week at School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Grace Ball gave a presentation to A level students |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talk and participation at EPSRC network "Ultrasurge" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation entitled "Cavitation Enhanced Drug Release from Silica Nanoparticles using kHz Ultrasound" Audience of research groups in Physics and Bioengineering with interest in Ultrasound in netwrok funded by EPSRC "Ultrasurge" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
Description | Talk at icfe11 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Keynote talk on luminescent probes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Think Tank Science Museum Birmingham |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School scildren event with SciMed- "Activity" Anaerobic bacteria - working in the anaerobic cabinet" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Women into Leadership EVent |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Presentation by Grace Ball for femal A level students showing career path and A level subjects |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |