Development of miniaturised fibre-reinforced composite structures for ultrasonic-based decontamination of non-shedding surfaces within the human organism

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Martin Dannemann; Dr. Marie-Theres Kühne
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Plastics Engineering ; Lightweight Construction, Textile Technology ; Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes ; Production Automation and Assembly Technology ; Dentistry, Oral Surgery
• Term: from 2015 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 277550171

Bioadhesion phenomena and biofilm formation on non-shedding surfaces in the human organism are the cause for different pathologies and often the trigger for severe infections. In endodontics (root canal treatment), it is an essential goal to remove the bacterial biofilm in the root canal system chemo-mechanically. For this purpose, disinfecting agents in combination with ultrasonically activated irrigation needles are used. Preliminary concepts have not provided a completely satisfactory outcome, yet.Therefore, the purpose of this proposal is the development of standardized, methodical and experimental principles for a new concept, modeling and technological realization of miniaturized structures made of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). An optimized ultrasonically-aided cleansing of small and curved hollow spaces (e.g. root canal systems) without the damage to surfaces in medical application is an important objective. Essential, but partially contrary requirements are the reduction of fracture risk of ultrasonic needles and the warranty of a high cleansing efficiency. In preliminary works, the great potential of composite materials for such applications was proven. Within the scope of this project, an innovative standardized root canal model, considering histological and anatomical parameters, will be established, in order to test different FRP-needles regarding work safety and cleansing efficacy.The investigations are the fundament for the translation of FBR-ultrasonic systems into different areas of medicine. The planned tasks involve the abstraction, parametrization and classification of human root canals with the quantification of natural and diverse canal geometries as its aim. Therefore, material- and manufacturing concepts for miniaturized structures made of composite materials will be established.These concepts are supposed to reduce the risk of fracture and to ensure a high cleansing efficiency, simultaneously. In order to evaluate these concepts, the vibrational and failure behavior of miniaturized structures excited within the ultrasonic frequency range will be modeled and validated experimentally. On the basis of the parameterized canal geometries, a standardized root canal model made of dentin with adherent biofilm will be established. This shall allow repeatable experimental quantification of cleansing effects and dentinal damage. Consequently, material concepts that allow a gentle and effective cleansing can be selected.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Christian Hannig; Professor Dr.-Ing. Niels Modler