O-ph: fluorescent-based optical ph imaging for oral health management
O-pH offers a cutting-edge optical pH imaging platform using fluorescein dye and blue LED illumination to map oral plaque pH. It provides users with visual, quantitative data for managing oral health, tracking enamel pH, and assessing hygiene practices.
Overview
O-pH is an innovative optical pH imaging platform designed to empower users with the ability to manage harmful oral biofilms and plaques at home. Utilizing a patented technique with FDA-approved fluorescein dye and blue LED illumination, O-pH produces colorful, qualitative maps of plaque pH. These images can be stored on a smartphone, allowing users to track their enamel pH over time and receive personalized hygiene improvement instructions. The technology reveals the underlying science of cavity formation and can monitor the effectiveness of remineralization treatments.
Technical specifications
- Fluorescent-based imaging: Uses fluorescein dye with blue LED illumination to generate filtered emission spectra from oral plaques.
- Smartphone integration: Digital image records are stored on the user's device for ongoing monitoring and analysis.
- Data visualization: Provides qualitative pH maps and quantitative data at each pixel for precise oral health management.
- Educational and motivational: Offers visual feedback to encourage proactive oral hygiene practices.
- AI potential: Future development may incorporate AI predictive algorithms with accumulated clinical data.
Technology readiness level
The O-pH platform is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, with successful clinical demonstrations visualizing enamel plaque pH. Future validation plans include a 6-9 month project to develop a smartphone demonstration system, detailing design attachments, and performing quantitative imaging calibrations. Partnership discussions and co-development goals with industry partners are in progress.
About University of Washington
The University of Washington is a large public research university with campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma, known for a broad portfolio from fundamental discovery to applied innovation. Industry partners engage through a South Lake Union research campus adjacent to a major life sciences district and through collaboration programs that place faculty and students alongside corporate R&D. The university’s integration with a major academic health system enables clinical translation and large-scale trials. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup incubation with prototyping resources.
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