Melissa Tiskaya, a Biomin Technologies-sponsored PhD student at Queen Mary University of London, has won a prestigious research prize for her work on bioactive glass and its application in self-repairing composites.
Biomin’s unique controlled-release technology makes it an ideal candidate for the development of such highly innovative products.
Melissa was awarded the Voco prize at the conference of the British Society for Oral and Dental Research (BSODR) for the best dental materials oral presentation on research projects.
This involved a 12-minute presentation and a five-minute Q&A. The judges chose a winner out of the eight candidates presenting their research at the conference.
Melissa is developing bioactive glass-containing dental composites based on the Biomin F patent for incorporation into composite resin materials.
The presentation, entitled ‘Characterisation of fluoride containing bioactive glass composites for dental restoratives,’ forms part of Melissa’s PhD research. The aim of which is to develop a filling material that can remineralise residual carious dentine. Therefore allowing more minimally invasive preparation of the tooth.
Equally, it will help overcome marginal breakdown (the main reason for early failure of posterior restorations).
As the gap opens between the filling material and the tooth, the oral fluids will release the mineral ions from the glass. They will form a fluorapatite layer in the gap. Hence creating a self-repairing composite filling material.
Biomin effective for remineralisation
Melissa, who is now in the third year of her doctorate, was proud and delighted to win an award from such a respected body. ‘I was very happy to win the award,’ she said. ‘And as Biomin Technologies fund my project, I am also grateful to have the opportunity to represent them at such a prestigious event.’
The patented Biomin technology is currently available as toothpastes; Biomin F, Biomin C (without fluoride) and Biomin F for Kids.
After brushing with Biomin, the particles adhere to the tooth surfaces. Here they gradually dissolve to release the optimum ratio of calcium, fluoride and phosphate.
The fluorapatite formed is more stable than hydroxyapatite, and is deposited onto the tooth surface and into the dentinal tubules. Here it remineralises damaged tooth enamel and also plugs the tubules to prevent dentine hypersensitivity.
Numerous studies worldwide have proven Biomin is more effective than other products. Both at remineralisation and relief of dentine hypersensitivity.
Research is currently ongoing in several centres to optimise this slow-release action in a range of applications focused on remineralisation of tooth enamel.
These include self-repairing restorative materials, adhesive resins for use in orthodontics, and varnishes. They are generating a lot of interest in the dental community.
‘Very excited’
Professor Ferranti Wong, professor of paediatric dentistry at Queen Mary University of London, said: ‘I am very excited by the potential of new filling materials based on Biomin’s smart controlled release technology.
‘These have the ability to release the basic components for remineralisation of residual/recurrent caries lesions. As well as strengthen the area around the filling. These materials are of great benefit to patients in both prevention and self-repair of fillings.’
Melissa’s supervisor, Professor Robert Hill, head of the school of dental physical sciences at QMUL, commented: ‘We believe the approach Melissa is taking will ultimately lead to longer lasting fillings.
‘The inclusion of Biomin also helps overcome the risk of marginal leakage. This is common to all current composites and therefore limits their life expectancy.’
Richard Whatley, CEO of Biomin Technologies, added: ‘We are delighted that the excellence of Melissa’s research has been recognised in this manner.
‘It is clear that bioactive materials will play a very important role in the future of restorative dentistry. We believe the benefits of Biomin’s technology ideally suit and support this development.’
For more information on Biomin, visit biomin.co.uk.
