By Imogen Howse via SWNS
Scientists have found a way to help dentures better stick to the mouth – by mimicking the powerful ‘suction cups’ found on octopus tentacles.
Many have to resort to various denture cements and adhesives, but these are widely unpopular – with users claiming they are unhygienic, unpleasant, and change the taste of food.
However, scientists from King’s College London (KCL) believe they have finally found an alternative to these products – one that is modeled on the octopus.
The KCL team, all from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral, and Craniofacial Sciences, explored how they could replicate the process that helps octopuses to stick to slippery surfaces in the sea.
Octopuses have ‘suction cups’ on their tentacles which create a negative pressure and a vacuum – which essentially brings about a strong suction that fixes them to things like rocks.
The team theorized that something similar could be done for dentures – allowing them to fix to the soft mucosa of the mouth.
And now, for the first time ever, octopus-like tiny ‘suction cups’ have been designed into 3D-printed dentures.
Analysis of the models shows that these new dentures have twice the amount of retention as standard ones – but are thankfully not so strong that users cannot remove them from their mouths.
Lead author Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, from King’s College London, said: “Having worked with denture wearers, who I often see in clinic, for several years, I really wanted to improve their experiences.
“I first had the idea to replicate sticky surfaces in nature while biting into a peach. I noticed how the furry skin stuck to the palate of my mouth and decided to investigate other sticky surfaces in nature.
“Octopus suckers seemed like the perfect place to start.
“This research bridges nature and technology to tackle a long-standing challenge for denture wearers.
“By mimicking the ingenious adhesive strategies found in octopus suction cups, we have developed a prototype that offers improved grip and comfort in even the most demanding oral environments.
“Our findings pave the way for a new generation of dentures that can transform the quality of life for millions worldwide.”
Dr. Eda Dzinovic, researcher in dental materials, added: “This work showcases the power of ‘biomimicry’ in solving real-world medical challenges.
“It’s inspiring to see how insights from nature, combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, can lead to innovations that improve both functionality and patient satisfaction.
“Contributing to this project has been an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of dental material science.”
