The project will develop an intelligent prosthesis that monitors saliva in real time and delivers medication locally in the oral cavity, leveraging advanced 4D-printing with embedded smart microsystems. Biosensors, micro-fluidics, and actuators will be entirely integrated in a removable denture by additive manufacturing. 4D printing will be applied to fabricate of shape memory polymer (SMP) microvalves and microchannels to transport saliva to the sensors unit and to deliver locally intraoral drugs. The smart denture will be controlled with an embedded electronic and wireless communication module.
The complex 3D printed microchannel manifold will ensure precise drug delivery to various zones of the denture and the underlying gingiva and mucosa, eliminating the need for site rotation. Finally, by designing and implementing intelligent control system to automate the entire process, we aim to enable precise and timely medication dosing based on sensor data. This technology will provide real-time monitoring, precise and controlled dosing, and improved effectiveness in treating both oral and systemic conditions.
The project is a collaboration between EPFL, the CSEM, and the University of Bern. The contribution of the MEMS & Printed Microsystems group at EPFL-LMTS is centred on the implementation of performing biosensors in 3D printed dentistry prothesis.
Contact person
Funding source: The research is supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
