# Feasibility study of a nanostructural system for bone regeneration in preparation for dental implants

> **NIH NIH R44** · NUSHORES BIOSCIENCES, LLC · 2020 · $177,317

## Abstract

Project Summary
Original Fast-Track Project Summary
 Current bone grafting techniques for functional rehabilitation with dental implants have limitations –
high-cost, difficulties with fixation and stabilization, insufficient bone regeneration, high morbidity using
autogenous block grafts and prolonged healing of up to 9 months. Existing synthetic bone fillers cannot match
defect shape and volume, are weakly resorbed (if at all), are not easily and quickly modifiable in size and
shape during surgery, cannot promote early and enhanced neovascularization and osseointegration; and are
poorly suited for advanced reconstruction. Current technologies cannot be modulated to match existing bone
architecture – a critical feature for improved healing. Although pre-implant reconstructive surgeries are
commonly performed, an estimated 7% of patients are unable to receive dental implants due to these
limitations. We propose to prove that our NuCressTM scaffold is a revolutionary advancement in bone healing
and a transformational technology for dentists, periodontists and oral surgeons. We seek to prove in preclinical
studies that dental implants or other bone regeneration treatments for tooth salvage treatments can be
performed at a fraction of the cost and healing times required for today’s technologies. We propose to
demonstrate the ability of our technology to support regeneration of mineralized tissues that recapitulate the
mechanical, physical and biological properties of craniofacial bones and corresponding microenvironments, to
facilitate improved dental implant success. We hypothesize that the NuCressTM scaffold technology will
outperform currently available options in rabbit and canine bone regeneration models. After producing
optimized scaffolds with enhanced porosity similar to calvarial bone, we will compare the NuCress™ scaffold to
a predicate and untreated control groups in models of critical sized calvarial defects, in an established sinus
model, an established pre-clinical socket model, an established pre-clinical segmental defect model, and an
established pre-clinical dental implant model. Successful Phase I and II SBIR studies will lead to first in human
trials in dental implant patients and seek FDA approval to provide a superior option to facilitate improved dental
implant success.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10130091
- **Project number:** 3R44DE028213-03S2
- **Recipient organization:** NUSHORES BIOSCIENCES, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** David K Lam
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $177,317
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-09-18 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10130091

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10130091, Feasibility study of a nanostructural system for bone regeneration in preparation for dental implants (3R44DE028213-03S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10130091. Licensed CC0.

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