Researchers developing regenerative fillings

A team of U.K. and U.S. researchers is developing synthetic biomaterials that support native stem cells for regenerative dental fillings.

The team, which includes researchers from the University of Nottingham (UN) and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, is developing "therapeutic synthetic, light-curable, biomaterials," according to a UN release. These biomaterials can be put into direct contact with pulp tissue to stimulate the native stem cell population for repair and regeneration of pulp tissue and the surrounding dentin.

The technique could provide an effective, practical technique that allows patients to regenerate components of their own teeth. Dental fillings that are currently used are toxic to cells and incompatible with the pulp tissue inside teeth, according to the release.

The team earned second prize in the materials group of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Technologies Competition 2016. The researchers will get business support from international companies and 3,000 pounds ($3,864).

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