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Voice-activated antibacterial piezoelectric composites for dental restorations

Award Number: R21DE034906
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/16/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/15/2028

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Voice-activated antibacterial piezoelectric composites for dental restorations - PROJECT SUMMARY Recurrent caries is the leading cause of dental restoration failure, costing the U.S. over $5 billion annually. Enhancing the seal of dental materials bonded to hard tissues is critical for preventing recurrent caries, disease progression, and tooth loss. Eliminating bacteria at the restoration margins can prevent the biochemical degradation of these materials to deter seal damage and thus extending the clinical lifespan of restorations. We have developed a novel antibacterial composites and adhesives with piezoelectric properties. Piezoelectric biomaterials have proven antimicrobial effects. This innovative approach significantly improves upon current technologies by using a single filler that provides long-lasting antibacterial effects without antibiotic resistance issues. Sound or acoustic waves (such as the human voice) can stimulate piezo- adhesives to produce the necessary electrical charges to elicit antimicrobial effects that prevent bond degradation and extend the durability of dental restorations. In this study, we propose to investigate how the properties of the human voice (such as pitch, intensity in dB, duration, angulation) influence charge production and antimicrobial effects in restorations (aim 1). Additionally, this project will assess the degradation of the tooth-restoration interface under representative oral conditions and with piezo-adhesives stimulated by the human voice and mastication forces. This research will provide crucial insights into how smart adhesives can improve the durability of dental composite restorations.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $435,875 )
2026	2026	TEMPLE UNIVERSITY-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION	1805 N BROAD ST	PHILADELPHIA	PA	19122	PHILADELPHIA	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	1	1/16/2026	NEW	$435,875
														Subtotal = $435,875

Grand Total All Awards = $435,875

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Voice-activated antibacterial piezoelectric composites for dental restorations

Award Number: R21DE034906

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 01/16/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/15/2028

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