Seeking dental solutions through the power of smart materials

March 9, 2021 · Cal Setar

Temple's Kornberg School of Dentistry Assistant Professor Santiago Orrego received a $200,000 grant to develop PiezoGEL, a smart gel designed to combat periodontitis — a disease affecting nearly half of Americans over 30. Periodontitis commonly requires invasive treatments like scaling and root planing. Orrego's innovation uses piezoelectric materials that generate electrical charges through mechanical force such as chewing, triggering biological responses that fight infection and promote bone regeneration.

A mechanical engineer by training, Orrego joined Kornberg in 2018. His approach differs from conventional methods by employing "smart" materials that respond to external stimuli to provide therapeutic benefits. The gel fills pockets created by periodontal disease, using the body's natural movements to activate healing processes.

The grant, part of the Science Center's QED Proof-of-Concept Program, supports commercialization development as Orrego continues researching PiezoGEL and broader applications of piezoelectric materials in biomedical fields. Orrego notes that piezoelectric applications extend beyond dentistry, with potential uses in orthopedics such as hip implants, where the technology could prevent infections and extend implant longevity.