SBIR-STTR Award

This research has a long-term objective to fully develop a new dental restorative material that will be superior to nonmetallic materials now in use. They are based upon polymeric resins that have the unique property of expansion or zero shrinkage when they are transformed from the liquid (uncured) to the solid (cured) state.The Phase I feasibility study will prepare the monomer in sufficient quantity to make and study prototype dental restorative formulations. Phase I will demonstrate that the formulations can cure at body temperature with zero shrinkage or even slight expansion. This will allow the development of materials for clinical trials in Phase II. Preliminary academic studies show that the monomer proposed for this study is a promising candidate. Other applications for this type of formulation are as cements for broken bones and for sealing metal hipbone ball and socket joints in place.National Institute of Dental Research (NIDR)