Leakage of unpolymerized methacrylate monomers after placement of methacrylate-containing polymeric dental materials leads to human exposure. Based on studies using murine macrophages and LPS from Escherichia coli (E. coli), dental monomers like 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are known to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cytokine release.

Antibacterial activity of 4 endodontic sealers against bacteria planktonic grown or in biofilms commonly detected from persistent and secondary endodontic infections.
Investigating the antibacterial activity of endodontic sealers and materials against bacteria in biofilms is highly important to evaluate the materials’ ability to eradicate bacteria from the infected root canal

Some strains of bacteria are known to fluoresce when exposed to UV-light, and are therefore detectable using spectroscopy techniques. If we could differentiate bacteria only based on an image, we open for a range of new methods within the field of microbial diagnostics. This is the underlying idea for our project. As we acquire hyperspectral images of a series of different bacteria, we aim to map their spectral “fingerprint” in a spatial manner. These first investigations make up a feasibility study which is continued this spring to allow for a more complete study.

Dental materials are easily colonized by bacteria, and microbial attack is the main cause of dental implant failure and periodontitis. The aim of this project was to formulate nanoparticle-based (NPsol) coatings that reduce bacterial adherence on materials used in dentistry. Pre-treatment of the surfaces with such coatings could create a time window that allows for killing of the surrounding bacteria prior to or shortly after adhesion. One option is to apply antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).