Omani team develops strong, biocompatible dental filling
Malak Khalifa Al Harthy, a member of the research team "Pulp49," told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the innovation stemmed from observing how traditional fillings often lack a balance between "strength" and "biocompatibility." This prompted the team to develop a new composite that achieves this challenging balance.
She explained that the composite is a dental filling made by integrating Omani cement with graphene sheets, resulting in a material with high mechanical efficiency and significant biocompatibility. This has led to clear and rapid restoration of surrounding dental tissues.
The development of the composite took approximately five years of research and experimentation, undergoing initial cell-level testing followed by animal trials in collaboration with the Mounted Police Command. It is now in the second phase of human trials, with preliminary results showing highly promising indicators.
Regarding the expected benefits of this composite in dentistry, she noted that it provides a cost-effective solution while enhancing the longevity and efficiency of dental treatments. This represents a major advancement in dental materials, offering improved outcomes for both patients and dentists.
Among its key advantages is high biocompatibility, as the integration of carbon nanoplates enhances the material's positive interaction with biological tissues while reinforcing its mechanical properties. This makes it particularly suitable for complex and challenging dental applications.
Additionally, the composite supports tissue regeneration by mimicking an ideal environment for the rebuilding cells in surrounding dental tissues. This effect is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanoplates' properties and the calcium ion-based reaction of Portland cement with physiological body fluids.
The composite also exhibits superior sealing capabilities, with the increased volume and unique properties of the nanoplates enhancing its ability to fill gaps and voids, making it ideal for applications requiring tight seals or water resistance.
The innovation has been officially recognized, securing a patent in the Sultanate of Oman and international registration. The team is currently finalizing the last stages of development after receiving essential support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, paving the way for its introduction to local and eventually global markets.
Addressing the challenges faced during the project, she explained that the team encountered difficulties in achieving the ideal composition, requiring multiple rounds of testing, experimentation, and model adjustments before finalizing the approved formula.
She emphasized the substantial support received, with the Oman Dental College providing necessary resources and the ROP Mounted Police contributing to trials. She also acknowledged the direct support of Dr. Abu Bakr Qateeshat, Head of Graduate Studies, Research, and Development at the college, and Dr. Aida Al-Wahaibi, as well as the encouragement from family, which served as a major motivator in achieving this milestone.
Regarding her selection to represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in Malaysia in 2025, she described it as an opportunity to showcase Omani youth's capabilities and their role in delivering innovative solutions that elevate Oman's global standing, while also facilitating knowledge exchange with innovators worldwide.
In closing, Malak Khalifa Al-Harthy affirmed that Omani youth are capable of remarkable achievements when they believe in their ideas and channel their creativity toward serving society—especially when innovation is genuine, addresses real needs, and contributes to the nation's progress. -ONA
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