Octopus-Inspired Dentures Developed by King’s College London

A team of researchers from King’s College London is tackling a longstanding issue faced by denture wearers—the challenge of retention. For many, ensuring dentures stay in place is an ongoing struggle that leads to the use of adhesives, often with limited success. In an innovative approach, the research team has turned to the natural world for inspiration, specifically to the octopus, whose unique suction cups may hold the key to solving this problem.

Challenge of Denture Retention

As the World Health Organization estimates, complete tooth loss affects 23% of people over 60, making dentures an essential solution for many individuals. However, one of the most common complaints among denture wearers is that their false teeth do not stay securely in place. For years, people have relied on supermarket adhesives, but these products are often ineffective and unpopular due to the discomfort and mess they create.

Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, lead author of the research, has worked extensively with denture wearers in clinical settings. Drawing from his experiences, he sought to improve the everyday lives of those who rely on dentures. His breakthrough came after an encounter with a peach, where he noticed how its furry skin seemed to stick to the roof of his mouth. This inspired him to explore other naturally sticky surfaces, eventually leading to the octopus’ remarkable suction cups.

Nature’s Solution: The Octopus and Its Suction Cups

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) uses its suckers to create watertight seals, enabling the creature to latch onto rocks or anchor itself to prey. The team at King’s College London saw potential in replicating this natural mechanism to improve denture retention. The goal was to create dentures that would stay securely in place even in the demanding environment of the mouth.

After extensive research, the team successfully replicated the octopus’s adhesive properties using 3D-printed models of upper and lower dentures. These models demonstrated retention capabilities that were twice as effective as traditional dentures, yet they could still be easily removed when needed. The team’s work is a significant step forward in addressing a common issue for millions of denture users around the world.

Biomimicry Key to Innovation

The research hinges on the concept of “biomimicry,” which involves studying nature’s designs and strategies to inspire technological solutions. Dr. Eda Dzinovic, a researcher in dental materials at King’s College London, explains, “This work showcases the power of biomimicry in solving real-world medical challenges. It’s inspiring to see how insights from nature, combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, can lead to innovations that improve both functionality and patient satisfaction.”

By mimicking the adhesive properties found in octopus suckers, the team has paved the way for new advancements in dental materials that could transform the quality of life for denture wearers. As Dr. Elsharkawy stated, “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.”

The Future of Denture Technology

The potential applications of this research are far-reaching. As Dr. Elsharkawy noted, the findings could lead to the development of dentures that are more secure, comfortable, and practical for daily use. These improvements may also reduce the need for adhesives, offering a more user-friendly experience for individuals who rely on dentures.

Additionally, the research highlights the growing field of biomimicry in medical and dental technology. By learning from nature’s time-tested solutions, scientists can create innovations that solve complex problems while improving patient outcomes.

The team’s work at King’s College London represents a significant step forward in the quest to enhance the functionality and comfort of dentures. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and the potential of natural phenomena to inspire cutting-edge solutions in the medical and dental fields.