Electronic skin to support oral cell proliferation.

Periodontitis is a common and serious condition that affects oral health and general well-being. With over 50% of adults in Europe affected and 11% suffering from severe forms of the disease, it has a far-reaching impact on quality of life. It causes tooth loss, masticatory dysfunction, and a decrease in self-esteem, which together affect dietary intake and overall health. The disease is also associated with systemic health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, due to systemic inflammation. This research aims to develop an electronic skin (e-skin) technology for oral tissue regeneration. E- skin is an innovative technology that mimics human skin, combining flexible electronics with bioactive properties to provide continuous, targeted stimulation. By modifying e-skin with barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles, this project aims to improve its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and ability to stimulate cell growth and tissue repair. The project will explore the potential of e-skin through three research phases. First, the bioactivity, mechanical properties, and cellular stimulation capabilities of the modified e-skin will be tested. This step will assess its ability to enhance fibroblast proliferation and improve tissue regeneration outcomes. Secondly, studies will investigate how the electrical and mechanical stimuli of the e-skin affect rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) and gingival fibroblasts. These cells play a critical role in oral tissue regeneration by releasing bioactive factors, including cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, that facilitate angiogenesis, reduce inflammation, and repair tissue. Third, in vivo experiments will evaluate the effects of e-skin on bone tissue remodeling, a process that is strongly influenced by mechanical and electrical stimuli. Bone tissue, as a mechanosensitive structure, can respond to external forces by initiating vascular activation and promoting regeneration. The controlled delivery of electrical and mechanical stimuli by e-skin, enhanced by the incorporation of BaTiO3 nanoparticles, is expected to improve tissue regeneration and lead to better treatment options for periodontitis.

No additional funding sources recorded.