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

> **NIH NIH R44** · NUSHORES BIOSCIENCES, LLC · 2020 · $71,837

## Abstract

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 NuCress™ 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:** 10228269
- **Project number:** 3R44DE028213-03S1
- **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:** $71,837
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-08-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10228269

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10228269, Feasibility study of a nanostructural system for bone regeneration in preparation for dental implants (3R44DE028213-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10228269. Licensed CC0.

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