Jun 14 2009
Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia have developed the world's first endodontic or root canal treatment sealer using nanotechnology.
Using "modified silica nano-composites" as a filler, this material known as "NanoSeal Plus" can greatly increase the success rates of root canal treatments and allow patients to keep their tooth.
Previous studies have shown that sealers currently used by many dentists do not always prevent leakage and more important do not have similar structure to the tooth. This decreases its ability to stay 'glued' to the tooth.
This is what USM researchers aimed to address with "Nano Seal Plus", which has a similar structure to the tooth, and actively seals all the tiny gaps within the dead tooth, greatly reducing the chances of a future infection.
According to Dr Sam'an Malik Masudi, the lead researcher in the team "The NanoSeal Plus is the first sealing material created with active nanoparticles. It also uses material with a structure that is close to the tooth structure."
The researchers spoke to the media in a press conference held on 10 June 2009 in relation to Nano Seal Plus winning a gold medal at the "20th International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2009)" in May.
This research is the result of collaboration from researchers from many disciplines including chemists, dentists, biologist and more over a period of 3 years and a short-term grant of RM 20.000.
The researchers will be filing for patents soon and hope to bring NanoSeal Plus to market at cost of only RM 50, compared to current materials which cost RM 300. They have already received inquiries for international and local markets.
The NanoSeal Plus research team consists of Dr Sam'an Malik Masudi, Prof. Madya Dr. Ab. Rashid Hj. Ismail, Prof. Ismail Ab. Rahman, Nor Shamsuria Omar and Syafawati Zaim.