# ANTIMICROBIAL AND REMINERALIZING COMPOSITES FOR CLASS V RESTORATIONS

> **NIH NIH R01** · AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION · 2020 · $15,436

## Abstract

Abstract
 In its recent RFA-DE-16-007, the NIDCR emphasizes a need for new studies on Class V restoratives with the
ultimate goal to develop new approaches/materials that would outperform glass ionomer cements (GICs) and/or resin-
modified GICs, currently most frequently used for these restorations. The RFA calls for interdisciplinary research that
would address the specific concerns stemming from generally deteriorated health of elderly population with reduced
salivary flow and compromised periodontium. Our group has been on the fore-front of the research on polymeric,
bioactive remineralizing dental materials based on amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) for two decades. We have
already successfully designed ACP polymeric materials capable of efficiently restoring lost tooth mineral via sustained
release of calcium (Ca) and phosphate (PO4) ions. These materials were intended for base/lining, orthodontic and
endodontic applications.
 In this submission, we propose to develop new, antimicrobial (AM) and remineralizing ACP composites which will
physico-chemically, mechanically and biologically outperform the conventional Class V restoratives. We will build upon
our understanding of ACP chemistry and solution thermodynamics as well as remineralizing ACP polymeric systems. We
will add the AM functionality to ACP composites to make them a polyvalent tool for combating root caries. For that
purpose, we will synthesize new AM monomers and fine-tune the resins to improve the polymerization shrinkage and
control polymerization stress while attaining high degrees of vinyl conversion, minimize leachability of the unreacted
monomers and/or degradation products and enhance bonding to dentin. The overall working hypothesis is that a
concomitant, long-term AM and remineralizing function is attainable without impeding the critical physicochemical,
mechanical and biological properties of composites. This hypothesis will be tested through the following Specific Aims
(SAs): SA1 - Synthesis and validation of new AM monomers; SA2 - Synthesis and characterization of ACP filler; SA3 -
Formulation, biocompatibility, physicochemical and mechanical evaluation of copolymers and composites; SA4 - AM
activity of resins and composites, and SA5 - Remineralizing efficacy of composites. The proposed research will yield a
prototype AM ACP composite for Class V restorations recommendable for testing in an animal study and/or clinical trial.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10131356
- **Project number:** 3R01DE026122-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Diane R Bienek
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $15,436
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-01-15 → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10131356

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10131356, ANTIMICROBIAL AND REMINERALIZING COMPOSITES FOR CLASS V RESTORATIONS (3R01DE026122-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10131356. Licensed CC0.

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