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A novel desensitizing paste containing enamel-like crystals

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43DE022231-01A1
Agency Tracking Number: R43DE022231
Amount: $149,688.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NIDCR
Solicitation Number: PA11-096
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3526 W LIBERTY RD, STE 100
ANN ARBOR, MI 48103-8802
United States
DUNS: 806687406
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 SCOTT MERZ
 (734) 995-9089
 merz@mc3corp.com
Business Contact
 KATHRYN OSTERHOLXER
Phone: (734) 995-9089
Email: koster@mc3corp.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem and the treatment modalities are, if they work at all, short lived. The object of this project is t produce a product that can occlude patent dentinal tubules (the causeof DH) and adhere to the wet interior surface of the dentinal tubules. The research goal of this study is to optimize the fluorapatite (FA) crystal/polymer of adhesive polymer, poly(DMA-MEA) ratio for immediate and long term occlusion of the patent dentinal tubules. The FA crystals are the same as those found in dental enamel and synthetic polymer which mimics the naked amino acid 3,4 dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) found in the mussel adhesive mucus. The synthesized FA crystals will be mixed with the polymer at certain ratios, applied to dentin sections and the dentinal conductivity (the gold standard used for testing dentin desensitizing agents) measured. . Once the optimized ratio for occlusion has been established its effect on dentinal tubule occlusion will be observed in the SEM . The release of F, Ca and PO4 from the FA/polymer paste will also be measured at neutral and acidic pH. This ion release, along with saliva, will help in the formation of a mineralized layer on the dentin which will help in thelong term relief f DH. This product for treating DH will be: biocompatible, non-toxic, allow for diffusion of ions; easily applied; adherent to tooth structure in the wet environment of the oral cavity; and aesthetic - a natural product. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This grant proposes a novel way of treating sensitive teeth; a problem that affects about 50% of the population at sometime. A desensitizing paste will be produced which contains mineral crystals which are similar to the natural crystals in teeth, mixed with a gel that will stick to wet tooth surfaces. It is anticipated that the paste will give immedite relief by blocking open tubules running from the surface of the dentin to the live part of the toot; and long term relief by causing amineralized barrier to form, overtime, on the sensitive tooth surface.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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