Clinicians at the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Dentistry’s new Centre for Orofacial Regeneration, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (COR3) say they will use 3D printing technology to rebuild human teeth, bones, and tissues.
The team’s exceptional skills and experience give them the potential to advance orofacial regeneration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation and improve patient outcomes, said Saso Ivanovski, head of the School of Dentistry and director of the center.
“In addition to 3D-printed custom scaffolds for teeth and facial components, nanotechnology will be used to alter metal implants for cell growth and drug delivery,” said Ivanovski.
“Led by a new generation of dentistry researchers, clinicians, and students, the team will diagnose and treat disease via nano-scaled particles in saliva,” he continued.
“We’ve brought together an international team of outstanding professionals who are leading the world and creating change with exciting new discoveries,” he said.
The university said that COR3 will advance ongoing projects with partners including:
- The Herston Biofabrication Institute
- The UQ Centre for Clinical Research
- The Faculty of Medicine
- The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology
- The Translational Research Institute
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
COR3 also will collaborate with local and regional universities, as well as 30 international institutions, including:
- Queensland University of Technology
- Griffith University
- Deakin University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Zurich
- The University of Michigan
- Queen Mary University of London
- The University of Hong Kong
Industry partners such as Geistlich Pharma/Biomaterials, the Straumann Group, and Colgate Palmolive will support COR3’s translational research and education endeavors as well, the university said.
“Embedded within one of Australia’s leading dental schools, COR3’s research activities are intrinsically linked to the education and training of our current and future health professionals,” said Ivanovski.
“High-quality technologies, facilities, and human talent will allow COR3 to merge scientific and clinical knowledge to improve quality of life,” he said.
“As a proud alumnus of UQ’s School of Dentistry, I’m entrusted with the opportunity to lead our next generation of dentistry professionals and researchers within this new center,” he said.
The materials, devices, procedures, skills, and knowledge to be developed at COR3 will have applications across a spectrum of health fields, the university said, from cancer and heart disease to diabetes and osteoporosis.
A range of translational research in tissue engineering, stem cells, and molecular biology will be conducted, aiming to replace, engineer, or regenerate damaged tissues or organs to normal functionality.
COR3 has a goal for advances to be cost-effective and scalable, ensuring the practical outcomes are disseminated broadly through public and private health services, the university said.
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