This proposal outlines a project geared toward the design of a microfluidic """"""""mouth-on-a-chip"""""""" system to study dental biofilm formation, a process associated not only with tooth decay, but also more serious systemic problems such as heart disease and organ failure if not kept under control through regimented oral hygiene. By varying the input oxygen/nitrogen ratio, sample flow rates, and the attachment substrate structure and composition (sealants, binders), the microfluidic chips will function as very powerful, inexpensive tools to study differential biofilm formation under a matrix of environmental conditions. Once validated, future research with the chips will focus on investigating mechanisms to disrupt the biofilm formation, including modification of the dental sealant composition, and the use of small molecule libraries to block intrabacterial interactions. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21DE017412-02
Application #
7268075
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDE1-YL (04))
Program Officer
Lumelsky, Nadya L
Project Start
2006-08-01
Project End
2009-07-31
Budget Start
2007-08-01
Budget End
2009-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$147,929
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139