Saliva-protein denture coatings to prevent fungal growth
Official title: Salivary peptide/protein-based multilayer denture coatings for controlling Candida biofilm formation and denture stomatitis
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11311877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using saliva-based proteins applied to dentures to prevent Candida buildup and help denture wearers avoid denture stomatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $630,675 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034121-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people who wear removable dentures and have recurrent denture stomatitis or are at high risk (for example older adults or those with weakened immune systems).
✕Less likely to help
People who do not wear dentures, whose oral issues are caused by non-Candida organisms, or who are allergic to coating components are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would get dentures coated with natural saliva proteins that are layered to hold antifungal molecules like histatin-5 in place. The team will test these coatings on denture materials in the lab to see if they stop Candida biofilms, remain durable, and keep the denture comfortable and functional. Earlier lab work showed better binding of anticandidal molecules without harming denture properties, and this project aims to optimize coating stability and antifungal activity for real-world use. If everything works, the coating could reduce repeat infections and the need for repeated antifungal treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower Candida biofilms on dentures and reduce recurrent denture stomatitis, especially for elderly or immune-compromised denture wearers.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory and materials studies have shown promising antifungal activity and improved protein binding, but clinical effectiveness in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Yuyu — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Sun, Yuyu
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.