Promising Omani
Innovation Successfully Develops Strong, Biocompatible Dental Filling
Muscat, 25 May
(ONA) — An innovative team from the Oman Dental College has successfully
developed a dental filling using Omani Portland cement reinforced with carbon
nanoplates, creating the first material that combines exceptional strength with
complete biocompatibility for dental tissues. This breakthrough opens new
horizons in global dental treatments.
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.
— Ends/Khalid
