Advanced fluorapatite generation system for enhanced tooth protection
This innovative system generates a time-released fluorapatite coating directly on tooth enamel, offering superior protection against acid erosion and hypersensitivity by forming a complete surface barrier.
Overview
This novel system offers a groundbreaking approach to dental care by generating a time-released fluorapatite coating directly on the tooth surface. Unlike traditional toothpaste technologies that rely on ion exchange for partial coverage, this system ensures a complete and even distribution of fluorapatite on the enamel. The sacrificial nature of this coating means it dissolves preferentially before the enamel, providing superior protection against acids and preventing the exposure of sensitive areas, such as dentine tubules, which are crucial as the population ages and experiences gum recession.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Sophisticated delivery mechanism: Ensures time-released formation of fluorapatite, offering sustained protection.
- Complete enamel coverage: Prevents acid-mediated attacks by forming a continuous protective layer.
- Protection against hypersensitivity: Blocks dentine tubules at the dentinoenamel junction, reducing pain and sensitivity.
- Co-additives influence: The system's performance can be enhanced by modifying the kinetics and crystallisation process through co-additives.
Current development steps:
- Increasing formulation scale-up.
- Controlling morphology and crystallisation.
- Adding viscosity modifiers for improved application.
- Conducting further tests on tooth surfaces using MAS-NMR analysis.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. The next steps involve scaling up production and conducting further testing to ensure commercial viability and effectiveness across a wider range of applications.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a STEM‑focused public research university with a large postgraduate community and an entrepreneurial culture. Industry engages through the White City innovation district, where the university offers incubator and scale‑up labs, wet‑lab and prototyping facilities, co‑location with corporate R&D and startups, and a dedicated technology transfer office. Integration with a major NHS hospital system provides access to clinical cohorts, trials infrastructure, and translational expertise, while corporate relations streamline sponsored research and consortia. Research is supported by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, European programs, and major foundations.
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