# Novel Strategies for Self-Healing Dental Materials

> **NIH NIH K99** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $108,657

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Resin composite restoration failure is strongly associated to internal microcracks caused by the masticatory
forces. A promising strategy to overcome this shortcoming lies is the addition of healing microcapsules in the
organic matrix. These capsules, when reached by the crack, are broken and release the healing agent,
inhibiting its propagation. However, there are several critical gaps and crucial improvements to make this
approach suitable and commercially viable. Our long-term goals are to introduce optimized healing agents,
minimize the side effects of addition of the capsules, via shell wall functionalization, and validate advanced
method for encapsulation. Previous studies revealed that low viscosity amides are capable of modulating the
polymerization reaction, and more tough and degradation-resistant than methacrylates, so these compounds
are going to be used as alternative healing agents. In addition, thiourethane surface functionalization has
been shown to be an efficient method to increase fracture toughness and reduce polymerization stress, so
we propose to functionalize the capsule surface with this compound – the methods for functionalization were
developed in our laboratory, which increases the chance of success. Finally, we will aim at overcoming the
main issues involved in the double-emulsion method, such as poor size control of the capsules and high
sensitivity of the method, by utilizing coaxial electrohydrodynamic atomization (CEHDA) technique for the
encapsulation process. In summary, the following Specific Aims are proposed: (1) To introduce amides as
healing agents, (2) To functionalize the microcapsule’s surface with thiourethane oligomers, and (3) To
improve encapsulation process with advanced technology. Capsules will be characterized by SEM, HPLC,
and Mid-IR spectroscopy. Self-healing composites will be tested for: kinetics, DMA, and mechanical
properties under simulate oral conditions, and finally, the healing process analyzed by Serial Block-Face
SEM. The central hypothesis is that the tough healing agent, shell wall functionalization, and introduction of
CEHDA method to produce capsules will significantly increase the potential and viability of self-healing dental
materials. The skills and new techniques necessary to accomplish the research plan will be acquired from
the mentoring team (Drs. Carmem Pfeifer, Jack Ferracane, Luiz Bertassoni, Mary Anne Melo, Sung Yi and
Travis Walker), who have pioneering expertise in using the proposed methods and strategies.
Complementary background will be gained from seminars, structured tutorials and courseworks. The
combination of the new skills learned during the K99 mentored phase with my prior expertise in dental
materials characterization, and the advanced clinical training in Prosthodontics will lay the foundation of my
independent career, focused on smart dental materials. Additionally, this proposal will broadly impact the
field by modifying and impr...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10006815
- **Project number:** 5K99DE028876-02
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Ana Paula Piovezan Fugolin
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $108,657
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-04 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10006815

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10006815, Novel Strategies for Self-Healing Dental Materials (5K99DE028876-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10006815. Licensed CC0.

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