Smart protein therapies to block collagen‑destroying enzymes in teeth and gums
Bio-Responsive and Immune Protein-Based Therapies for Inhibition of Proteolytic Enzymes in Dental Tissues
This project tests enzyme‑responsive nanoparticles and tiny immune proteins to stop enzymes that break down tooth and gum collagen, aiming to protect dental restorations and preserve teeth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing two patient‑facing approaches to prevent collagen breakdown that leads to periodontal disease and failed dental fillings. One uses tiny micelle particles that hold natural inhibitors (quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate) and break open only when the damaging enzymes (MMPs) cut a specific peptide shell, releasing the inhibitor where it is needed. The second approach creates compact antibody fragments called nanobodies to neutralize the same destructive enzymes around teeth. Work will include laboratory studies and animal models to test safety and how well these systems stop enzyme activity before any human testing is offered.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active periodontal disease, recurrent decay around restorations, or frequent restoration failures would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate tooth extraction, those with teeth that are not restorable, or people seeking immediate treatment should not expect direct benefit from this early‑stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these therapies could help protect tooth structure and make restorations last longer, reducing repeat dental work and extractions.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and some animal studies support MMP inhibitors and polyphenols reducing collagen breakdown, but enzyme‑cleavable micelles and anti‑MMP nanobodies are relatively new and have limited human data.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piovezan Fugolin, Ana Paula — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Piovezan Fugolin, Ana Paula
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 below.