Temple discovery is giving humans and dogs healthier smiles

May 13, 2026

Kornberg researcher Dr. Santiago Orrego's lab has developed a piezoelectric smart material — PiezoGEL — that uses the body's natural mechanical forces, like chewing, to generate electrical charges that promote periodontal healing. A 2026 study found the compound is effective in both human and canine subjects, suggesting a convergent biology for gum disease treatment across species.

The cross-species finding accelerates the path to clinical trials by enabling pre-clinical testing in dogs, which share similar periodontal anatomy with humans. This parallel biology allows Orrego's team to gather robust translational data that would otherwise require separate research tracks, shortening the timeline from laboratory discovery to patient application.

Orrego noted that this represents a step-change from his earlier 2021 proof-of-concept work, with the technology now ready for translational development. The research underscores Kornberg's growing reputation as a hub for biomaterials innovation at the intersection of engineering and clinical dentistry.