Research Project 15

• Host institution: UNIVERSITETET I OSLO (UiO), Norway
  Department: www.odont.uio.no
  Research group website: www.biomaterials.no
• Supervisor: Håvard Jostein Haugen, Prof. Dr. h.j.haugen@odont.uio.no
• DC 15: NN

Project Description

Short Description: DC15 will develop and test innovative non-antibiotic debridement tools to improve infection control in dental implants. The project includes creating an in vitro multispecies biofilm model and an animal model of peri-implantitis, enabling in-depth study of biofilm behaviour and host responses. The efficacy of debridement methods will be evaluated through collaborations with clinical and veterinary partners. 

Learn more about this position at EURAWESS

Objectives

DC15 will develop and validate innovative non-antibiotic debridement tools to enhance infection control in dental implants, in close collaboration with Corticalis (O4). The project will investigate both the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these new technologies, with particular focus on their biocompatibility with human oral tissues, ensuring the absence of cytotoxic effects and supporting healthy cell proliferation.

Research activities include:

• Work with in vitro anaerobic polymicrobial biofilm model consisting of six species (2 early, 2 middle, 2 late colonisers) relevant to peri-implant infections (O5).
• Evaluating the biocompatibility of novel debridement strategies with human oral tissues.
• Developing an animal model of implant-associated infection that closely mimics human peri-implantitis, in collaboration with the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, to study biofilm mechanisms and host responses (O5).
• Assessing the effectiveness of debridement tools in collaboration with DC10 at UGOT and DC11 at Anthogyr (O6).
• Translating experimental findings into clinically relevant protocols to guide future pilot human studies.

Training and mobility:

• Supervision by Professor Håvard J. Haugen (UiO), with expertise in biomaterials and animal science.
• Access to advanced animal facilities at the Institute of Veterinary Medicine.
• Collaborative training and exchange with SHIELD partners:
  • Corticalis (O4) (industry partner, Norway)
  • UGOT (Sweden) – collaboration with DC10
  • Anthogyr (France) – collaboration with DC11
• Participation in network-wide SHIELD training events, workshops, and international conferences.

Expected Results

More information about the Doctoral positions at this EURAXESS's link