Smartphone-compatible fluorescent plaque detection system
An innovative fluorescent oral rinse system that highlights dental plaque for easy detection using a smartphone app. This food-safe solution selectively binds to plaque, emitting strong luminescence under UV light without staining teeth, enhancing oral hygiene monitoring.
Overview
The proposed solution is an advanced oral health innovation that utilizes a food-safe fluorescent oral rinse to selectively bind to dental plaque. When exposed to UV or blue light, the bound plaque emits a strong yellow luminescence, allowing for easy detection without staining healthy teeth. This system is designed to integrate seamlessly with smartphones, using a simple clip-on filter or UV LED and a dedicated app, making it a convenient and affordable tool for users to monitor and improve their oral hygiene.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Fluorescent Oral Rinse: Binds selectively to dental plaque, emitting luminescence under UV or blue light.
- Non-staining: Does not affect healthy tooth enamel and can be removed by brushing.
- Smartphone Integration: Compatible with a simple clip-on filter or UV LED for visualization.
- Dedicated App: Automates image capture and enhances plaque contrast for user feedback.
- Food-safe: Utilizes safe compounds, verified through laboratory testing on extracted teeth.
Technology readiness level
The system has achieved a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, with the concept validated on real dental samples. Future steps include optimizing the chemistry, finalizing the smartphone attachment design, and developing a user-friendly app to bring the product to market readiness.
About University of Belgrade
The University of Belgrade is a comprehensive public research university in Serbia’s capital, uniting a broad network of faculties and affiliated institutes. Industry engages through partner infrastructure such as Science and Technology Park Belgrade—founded with the university, city, and state—which hosts startups and company R&D teams. Clinical translation is supported by affiliation with the University Clinical Centre of Serbia, enabling access for trials and clinician collaborations. A dedicated Center for Technology Transfer provides IP management, licensing, and commercialization support. Membership in European university alliances strengthens cross‑border projects and talent pipelines funded by competitive European and national programs.
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