Biomaterials are our main focus of research, which includes many categories of materials: ceramics, metals/alloys and polymer-based materials. Our inter-disciplinary expertise also applies to medical biomaterials, e.g. cardiac and orthopaedic implants and surgical instruments.
NIOM has a well-qualified staff covering all aspects of dental biomaterials. Currently, a permanent staff of 22 scientists and research technicians are working together with research fellows and visiting scientists. Our fields of expertise include clinical dentistry, biology, toxicology, analytic and polymer chemistry, metallurgy and mechanical testing.
Our research projects are targeted and include materials characterization and properties, biocompatibility and clinical performance. The following areas, amongst others, are covered by NIOM’s activities:
- Patient exposure to leachables, degradation and corrosion products
- Biological effects of monomers, filler particles and metal ions
- Material composition, quality and ageing
- Biofilm and anti-bacterial properties
- Ceramic core materials and computer assisted design and manufacturing
- Benefits and dangers of light and radiation used in dentistry
- Mechanical and chemical properties of biomaterials
- Studies in collaboration with the public dental service
