Barbara Giordano, researcher and lecturer in the Faculty of Dentistry, and Román Pérez, director of the Bioengineering Institute of Technology and vice-rector for innovation, research and knowledge transfer at the University, lead BioSphereGutta, a project based on the creation of next-generation materials for the obturation of root canals.

Endodontic treatment remains the main solution for preserving teeth that have suffered trauma or deep caries leading to infection of the root canal. Once the nerve has been removed, gutta-percha is used to fill the canal and prevent bacterial reinfection. However, “this material does not offer optimal adhesion to dental tissues, as nearly 15% of apical periodontitis treatments may be unsuccessful”, explains Bárbara Giordano, researcher in the area of Endodontics within the Faculty.

“Our aim is to improve endodontic procedures by developing a more effective biomaterial for sealing root canals. This will help reduce reinfection in treated teeth and allow us to offer safer, longer-lasting care for patients,” she adds.

According to the researchers, the gutta‑percha used today “essentially acts as a filler to prevent the canals from becoming reinfected”. In contrast, “BioSphereGutta incorporates silica-based bioactive microspheres into traditional gutta-percha, enhancing adhesion to dentine and promoting biomineralisation.” 

Furthermore, the researchers note that these microspheres are not only incorporated into the surface of the gutta‑percha, but integrated throughout the entire matrix, thereby also enabling the potential release of medication to support clinical outcomes and improved dental health.

Although in vivo and patient trials have yet to be completed, the innovative BioSphereGutta project will enable the transformation of dental treatments and bring academic research closer to clinical practice, as Giordano concludes.