New ‘tooth-on-a-chip’ could lead to more personalized dentistry

Miniature dental device gives up-close, real-time view into how teeth respond to dental materials

By Franny White December 19, 2019 Portland, Oregon

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(Left to right) Drs. Cristiane Franca, Luiz E. Bertassoni, and Anthony Tahayeri look at data from their "tooth-on-a-chip," a device that allows researchers from the Bertassoni Lab to at OHSU observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Tooth-on-a-chip

A new device called "tooth-on-a-chip" is allowing researchers from Dr. Luiz Bertassoni's OHSU lab to observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Tooth-on-a-chip

Researchers observe a test of the new device called "tooth-on-a-chip" which allows researchers from Dr. Luiz Bertassoni's OHSU lab to observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Tooth-on-a-chip

(Left to right) Drs. Cristiane Franca, Luiz E. Bertassoni, and Anthony Tahayeri have created the "tooth-on-a-chip," a device that allows researchers from the Bertassoni Lab to at OHSU observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Tooth-on-a-chip

A new device called "tooth-on-a-chip" is allowing researchers from Dr. Luiz Bertassoni's OHSU lab to observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. A sliver of dentin material (center) is placed between two channels, allowing scientists to observe the tooth as it interacts with materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Tooth-on-a-chip

(Left to right) Anthony Tahayeri, and Drs. Cristiane Franca and Luiz E. Bertassoni, work with a new device called "tooth-on-a-chip" that allows researchers from the Bertassoni Lab to at OHSU observe how teeth interact with reconstruction materials and bacteria. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D.

Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Anthony Tahayeri

Anthony Tahayeri, research assistant in the Bertassoni Lab at OHSU, December 11, 2019. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Cristiane Franca, D.D.S., Ph.D. (Courtesy)