Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
Official title: Precision Nanomedicine Targeting Inflammatory and Osteoclast Pathways in Periodontal Disease
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11607783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $576,957 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE036222-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with periodontal disease who meet the study’s specific inclusion criteria and can safely participate in nanomedicine studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without periodontal disease or those who do not meet participation criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests tiny, disease-targeted nanoparticles that deliver anti-inflammatory messages right to the cells driving gum inflammation. It also uses specially designed particles to reach bone-destroying cells and block signals that promote bone loss. The work includes creating and testing these nanomedicines in models that mimic human periodontal disease, with a focus on safety and effectiveness near the gum tissues. If successful, this could translate into more precise, fewer-systemic side effects treatments for periodontitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience reduced gum inflammation and preserved bone around teeth.
How similar studies have gone: Early, related approaches have shown promise in delivering therapies to mouth tissues, but this exact targeted nanomedicine approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Abhalaxmi — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Singh, Abhalaxmi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Periodontal Health in Newborns: Reducing Small Vulnerable Newborn Deaths in Nepal
A large study in Nepal will test whether a simple oral care package started in early pregnancy can lower the risk of tiny, high-risk newborns dying in their first month.
-
Gingival keratinocyte ferroptosis in periodontal disease pathogenesis
A study exploring how iron-related cell death in gum cells may drive gum disease and bone loss in periodontitis, and what this could mean for future treatments.
-
Periodontal health and dementia risk in a large health system
A large health system will study whether gum disease and its treatment relate to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias over time.
-
Xylitol for Pregnancy Health and Baby Outcomes
A safe, affordable gum-based treatment using xylitol is being tested to reduce periodontal disease in pregnant people and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health issues.
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.