Coatings to fight infection and inflammation around dental implants

Multifunctional Ionic Liquid Application for Treatment of Peri-implant Diseases

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS · NIH-11169903

A special implant coating designed to kill harmful bacteria and calm inflammation for people with infected or at-risk dental implants.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TEXAS DALLAS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11169903 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

I have or may get dental implants, and this project is developing a thin ionic liquid coating for titanium implants that aims to both remove bacteria and change the local immune response so tissues can heal. The team uses amino-acid based versions (for example, a phenylalanine formulation) that stick to implant surfaces and resist being scraped away. Most work so far is lab-based to show the coating prevents biofilm and preserves the metal surface without creating harmful particles. The long-term aim is to help implants re-integrate with surrounding tissue and reduce the chance of implant loss.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with signs of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis, or patients about to receive dental implants who want added protection, would be the best candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe bone loss requiring implant removal or those with known allergies to implant or coating materials may not benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce infections, protect implant surfaces, lower chronic inflammation, and improve implant survival and healing.

How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies from the group showed stable, antibacterial coatings on titanium, but clinical benefits in people have not yet been demonstrated.

Where this research is happening

RICHARDSON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.