Active interdental and subgingival cleaning with magnetically guided nanozymes
A floss-free interdental cleaning system using catalytic iron-oxide nanozymes guided by magnetic delivery to clean hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. This technology enhances plaque removal and reduces bacteria without relying on user technique.
Overview
Our cutting-edge solution offers a revolutionary floss-free interdental cleaning system. Utilizing a hybrid approach, this system integrates mouthguards with catalytic iron-oxide nanozymes that are magnetically guided. During a brief rinse cycle, nanozymes activate low-dose hydrogen peroxide to produce free radicals at the biofilm interface. This process degrades the plaque extracellular matrix, detaches adherent plaque, and diminishes viable bacteria. Magnetic microstreaming further aids active transport into confined spaces, ensuring comprehensive cleaning without relying on user technique. After cleaning, particles are magnetically retrieved and rinsed away, leaving no stains or residues.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Catalytic iron-oxide nanozymes activate low-dose hydrogen peroxide to generate cleaning radicals
- Magnetic guidance allows precise delivery into interdental and gingival-margin areas
- Particle motion is pre-designed rather than force-applied, reducing user dependence
- Post-cleaning magnetic recovery leaves no visible residues
- Demonstrated safety with no detectable tissue injury or iron accumulation
Technology readiness level
This platform has reached Technology Readiness Level 6. It has been validated in human and porcine jaw models with successful plaque reduction and no adverse effects. Future development will involve creating consumer-ready prototypes and completing comprehensive safety and efficacy studies in collaboration with a consumer-goods partner.
About University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, comprehensive research university with a large, interdisciplinary research enterprise on an urban campus in Philadelphia. For industry, the university combines an integrated academic health system with a research and technology park featuring co‑located labs, pilot and prototyping spaces, and access to shared instrumentation. Dedicated corporate engagement and technology transfer teams streamline sponsored research, IP, and startup formation, with incubator and venture resources to accelerate commercialization. Faculty attract substantial competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense.
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