Sensor systems for real time ultra-sensitive monitoring of processes and interactions in the oral cavity (OralSens)

详细了解口腔中的生物粘附、生物矿化和代谢过程对于牙科研究至关重要。口腔液体、口腔微生物群以及软硬组织之间存在多种相互作用。许多研究基于许多参数的终点测量对代谢过程进行了研究。然而，对口腔内重要代谢物和离子的动力学的了解仍然有限。因此，拟议项目的目的是开发高灵敏度传感器，用于连续监测口腔内临床相关的有机和无机分子。这将有助于更深入地了解口腔疾病的发生和发展（如糜烂、龋齿、牙龈炎和牙周炎）。此外，这可能为预防牙科的新策略的发展提供新的创新选择。口腔是传感器技术的一个容易进入的临床部位。然而，口腔流体的复杂性、瞬时和普遍存在的蛋白质吸附过程以及机械过程要求现有传感器技术高度复杂地适应口腔内的应用。我们打算开发小型化的多传感器设备，用于连续测量葡萄糖，乳酸盐，pH值，钙，磷酸盐和氟化物。这些传感器将被调整和精心制作，以实现口腔内的功能。对于现场应用，它们将安装在个性化的夹板上，通过蓝牙无线传输测量结果。根据饮食和卫生习惯，传感器应用可连续监测相应参数数小时或理想情况下数天。从长远来看，可以根据本研究提案开发用于其他参数的传感器。在未来，这种设备不仅在基础研究中是一种有价值的工具，而且还将为医学和牙科的个性化、非侵入性诊断提供新的视角。

A detailed understanding of bio-adhesion, bio-mineralization and metabolic processes in the oral cavity is of crucial importance in dental research. There are multiple interactions between oral fluids, the oral microbiota as well as soft and hard tissues. Many studies conducted research on metabolic processes based on end-point measurements of numerous parameters. However, there is still limited knowledge on the kinetics of important metabolites and ions within the oral cavity. Hence, the aim of the proposed project is the development of highly sensitive sensors for the continuous monitoring of clinically relevant organic and inorganic molecules within the oral cavity. This will allow deeper insight into the initiation and progression of oral diseases (e.g. erosion, caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis). Furthermore, this may offer new innovative options in the development of novel strategies in preventive dentistry.The oral cavity is an easily accessible clinical site for sensor technology. However, the complexity of oral fluids, instantaneous and ubiquitous protein adsorption processes as well as mechanical processes request for highly sophisticated adaptation of existing sensor technologies for the application within the oral cavity. We intend to develop miniaturized multi-sensor devices for the continuous measurement of glucose, lactate, pH, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. These sensors will be adapted and elaborated for functionality within the oral cavity. For in situ applications, they will be mounted on individualized splints transmitting the measurements wirelessly via Bluetooth. The sensor application for continuous monitoring of the respective parameters according to alimentary and hygiene habits for many hours or ideally days is planned. On a longer-term perspective, sensors for additional parameters can be developed based on this research proposal. In future, such devices will be a valuable tool not only in basic research, but will also offer new perspectives towards personalized, non-invasive diagnostics in medicine and dentistry.