Creating artificial mucins to improve oral health
Official title: Engineering Mucin Analogues to Benefit the Mouth Environment
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11087237 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating new artificial saliva that acts like real saliva to help people with dry mouth feel more comfortable and protect their teeth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $491,193 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE034153-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087237 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, due to various medical conditions or treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy saliva production and no oral health issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced artificial saliva products that mimic the protective functions of natural saliva, particularly through the use of mucin analogs. Mucins are proteins that play a crucial role in oral health by providing lubrication, protecting against harmful acids, and maintaining a balanced oral microbiome. The project aims to synthesize these mucin substitutes by understanding their complex structures and functions, ultimately leading to products that can better support individuals with dry mouth or other oral health issues. Patients may benefit from improved oral comfort and protection against dental problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals suffering from dry mouth and related oral health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing mucin analogs for various applications, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Godula, Kamil — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Godula, Kamil
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.