LONDON, England: Researchers at King’s College London have recently published details of research which combines biological insights with cutting-edge technology in order to address a long-standing problem in dental care: poor denture retention in moist oral environments. This novel denture adhesion system inspired by octopus suckers could have a significant impact on patient satisfaction and oral health outcomes, offering hope for enhanced comfort and quality of life for denture wearers.
The study draws inspiration from the adhesive strategies of Octopus vulgaris, whose suction cups excel at gripping surfaces in wet and dry conditions. The researchers replicated the micro-architecture of these suction cups using advanced 3D-printing technologies such as two-photon polymerisation and digital light processing. The resulting dentures feature octopus-like micro- and macrotopographies, thereby enhancing their ability to adhere to oral tissues.
To further improve adhesion, the surfaces were coated with keratin, a naturally occurring protein known for its hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. This dual strategy of physical and chemical modifications significantly increased adhesive strength in both dry and moist conditions. Notably, the bio-inspired suction cup designs demonstrated higher maximum detachment forces compared with conventional dentures, even when denture adhesives were used.
A view of the printed dentures. (Image: Kings College London)
The study also explored the durability of keratin coatings and their interaction with
oral mucosa. Keratin, extracted from sheep’s wool, proved resistant to enzymatic degradation and maintained its adhesive properties over time. Importantly, the research emphasised that keratin’s unique chemical composition, including cysteine-rich disulphide bonds, contributes to its superior adhesion by forming strong interactions with mucosal tissues.
This innovation represents a significant advancement for the millions of people worldwide who rely on dentures, particularly the elderly and those with systemic conditions limiting their suitability for dental implants. Poor denture retention often leads to discomfort, difficulty in speaking and eating, and overall dissatisfaction, affecting patients’ quality of life. Traditional solutions like adhesive creams are often seen as inconvenient, unhygienic and prone to causing gagging or taste alteration.
The principles of this research have potential applications in medical fields other than dentistry, such as in the development of self-adhesive medical devices, prosthetics and drug delivery systems designed for moist environments. The ability to mimic natural adhesive strategies could lead to more efficient and patient-friendly solutions across healthcare.
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