King’s College Design Revolutionary Dentures Inspired by Nature Enhance Comfort and Grip

A groundbreaking development in dental science sees King’s College London researchers create innovative dentures inspired by octopus suckers. This novel design, integrating ‘suction cups’ for enhanced grip, is expected to revolutionise the experience for denture users worldwide, potentially benefiting 350 million individuals who wear dentures due to edentulism.

The unique design originates from a research team at King’s College London, aiming to address common issues faced by denture wearers, such as slippage and discomfort. By emulating the natural adhesion mechanism of an octopus’s tentacles, these researchers developed 3D-printed dentures with built-in suction capabilities. This advancement promises twice the retention power of conventional dentures.

Further enhancing this innovation, the application of a keratin layer—akin to the protein found in human hair and skin—was discovered to improve the chemical bonding of dentures. This method ensures improved adhesion without compromising the aesthetics of the dentures. Such progress marks a significant leap forward in dental prosthetics, emphasising harnessing nature’s ingenuity to solve modern medical challenges.

Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, lead author, explains how “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.”

This novel approach from King’s College London showcases the potential of biomimicry in producing functional and user-friendly dental solutions. By blending nature-inspired design with advanced manufacturing techniques, these researchers pave the way for dentures that can significantly enhance the quality of life for millions globally, reducing dependence on adhesives and boosting confidence and comfort among users.

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