Research and Research Training

Our research and teaching activities cover many areas of dental research, including mechanics of polymers and polymer matrix composites, structure/property relationships in biomaterials, biomedical optics, finite element analysis, micromechanics, tribology, biomechanics of engineered tissues, electron microscopy, fracture mechanics, cardiovascular biomechanics, and image processing. We apply leading-edge engineering methods to synthetic and biological materials to understand their mechanical and physical behavior. Our research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and industrial contracts.
Our priorities are threefold:
- To perform extramurally funded state-of-the-art research in biomaterials and biomechanics incorporating novel and innovative experimental methods.
- To provide a contemporary, scientifically-based and clinically relevant curriculum in biomaterials and biomechanics to undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students, as well as to graduate students.
- To facilitate the transfer of science and technology to local, regional, and national audiences of oral health care providers by providing critical reviews of the current literature and examples of clinical applications of technology developed in our research laboratories.
BERTASSONI, LUIZ
Subbiah R, Thrivikraman G, Parthiban SP, Jones JM, Athirasala A, Xie H, Bertassoni LE. Prevascularized hydrogels with mature vascular networks promote the regeneration of critical-size calvarial bone defects in vivo. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2021 Mar;15(3):219-231. doi: 10.1002/term.3166. Epub 2021 Feb 5.PMID: 33434398
Moreira KM, Bertassoni LE, Davies RP, Joia F, Höfling JF, Nascimento FD, Puppin-Rontani RM. Impact of biomineralization on resin/biomineralized dentin bond longevity in a minimally invasive approach: An "in vitro" 18-month follow-up. Dent Mater. 2021 Feb 16:S0109-5641(21)00041-5. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2021.01.021. Online ahead of print.PMID: 33608139
Subbiah R, Ruehle MA, Klosterhoff BS, Lin ASP, Hettiaratchi MH, Willett NJ, Bertassoni LE, García AJ, Guldberg RE. Triple Growth Factor Delivery Promotes Functional Bone Regeneration Following Composite Musculoskeletal Trauma. Acta Biomater. 2021 Apr 3:S1742-7061(21)00223-3. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.066. Online ahead of print.PMID: 33823326
Twohig C, Helsinga M, Mansoorifar A, Athirasala A, Tahayeri A, França CM, Pajares SA, Abdelmoniem R, Scherrer S, Durual S, Ferracane J, Bertassoni LE. A dual-ink 3D printing strategy to engineer pre-vascularized bone scaffolds in-vitro. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2021 Apr;123:111976. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2021.111976. Epub 2021 Feb 15.PMID: 33812604
BOMPOLAKI, DESPOINA
Bompolaki D, Punj A, Fellows C, Truong C, Ferracane JL. Clinical Performance of CAD/CAM Monolithic Lithium Disilicate Implant-Supported Single Crowns Using Solid or Pre-Drilled Blocks in a Fully Digital Workflow: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Up To 33 Months of Follow Up. J Prosthodont. 2021 Apr 11. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13364. Online ahead of print.PMID: 33840144
DA COSTA, JULIANA
da Costa JB, Ferracane JL, Amaya-Pajares S, Pfefferkorn F. Visually acceptable gloss threshold for resin composite and polishing systems. J Am Dent Assoc. 2021 Feb 3:S0002-8177(20)30708-X. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.09.027. Online ahead of print.PMID: 33549304
FERRACANE, JACK
Lee CH, Jo SA, Kang K, Dhont J, Ferracane J, Lee IB. Shockwave application enhances the effect of dentin desensitizer. Dent Mater. 2021 Jan;37(1):113-119. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2020.10.027. Epub 2020 Nov 13.PMID: 33190860
Ferracane JL, Lawson NC. Probing the hierarchy of evidence to identify the best strategy for placing class II dental composite restorations using current materials. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2021 Jan;33(1):39-50. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12686. Epub 2020 Nov 18.PMID: 33206440
Hilton TJ, Funkhouser E, Ferracane JL, Gilbert GH, Gordan VV, Kopycka-Kedzierawski DT, Meyerowitz C, Mungia R, Burton V; National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Collaborative Group. Baseline characteristics as 3-year predictors of tooth fracture and crack progression: Findings from The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. J Am Dent Assoc. 2021 Feb;152(2):146-156. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.09.023. Epub 2020 Dec 24.PMID: 33358237
André CB, Rosalen PL, Giannini M, Bueno-Silva B, Pfeifer CS, Ferracane JL. Incorporation of Apigenin and tt-Farnesol into dental composites to modulate the Streptococcus mutans virulence. Dent Mater. 2021 Apr;37(4):e201-e212. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2020.12.005. Epub 2021 Jan 6.PMID: 33422299
Fugolin APP, Costa AR, Correr-Sobrinho L, Crystal Chaw R, Lewis S, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Toughening and polymerization stress control in composites using thiourethane-treated fillers. Sci Rep. 2021 Apr 7;11(1):7638. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-87151-9.PMID: 33828183 Free PMC article.
Fugolin AP, Logan MG, Kendall AJ, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Effect of side-group methylation on the performance of methacrylamides and methacrylates for dentin hybridization. Dent Mater. 2021 Mar 1:S0109-5641(21)00051-8. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2021.02.004. Online ahead of print.PMID: 33663882
Saratti CM, Rocca GT, Durual S, Lohbauer U, Ferracane JL, Scherrer SS. Fractography of clinical failures of indirect resin composite endocrown and overlay restorations. Dent Mater. 2021 Feb 21:S0109-5641(21)00049-X. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2021.02.002. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33627233
KRETH, JENS
Kreth J, Merritt J, Pfeifer CS, Khajotia S, Ferracane JL. Interaction between the Oral Microbiome and Dental Composite Biomaterials: Where We Are and Where We Should Go. J Dent Res. 2020 Sep;99(10):1140-1149. doi: 10.1177/0022034520927690. Epub 2020 Jun 1.PMID: 32479134
MERRITT, JUSTIN
de Almeida SA, Ferracane JL, da Silva EM, Mushashe AM, Merritt J, Rocha AA, Noronha-Filho JD, de Almeida RV, Poskus LT. Antimicrobial potential of resin matrices loaded with coffee compounds. J Biomed Mat Res Part B Appl Biomat. 2021 Mar;109(3):428-435.
Qin H, Zou Z, Anderson D, Sang Y, Higashi D, Kreth J, Merritt J. The transcription regulator BrsR serves as a network hub of natural competence protein-protein interactions in Streptococcus mutans. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2021 Sep 28;118(39):e2106048118. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2106048118.
PFEIFER, CARMEM
Fugolin, A.P.P., Costa, A.R., Correr-Sobrinho, L., Crystal Chaw, R., Lewis, S., Ferracane, J.L., Pfeifer, C.S.
Toughening and polymerization stress control in composites using thiourethane-treated fillers (2021) Scientific Reports, 11 (1), art. no. 7638.
Ramos, R.A.D.P., Pfeifer, C.S., Fugolin, A.P.P., Piccolli, V.M., Pomini, M.C., Consani, R.L.X.
Silanes formulated with thio-urethanes for adhesive bonding of fiberglass posts to root canal (2021) International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 109, art. no. 102898.
Fugolin, A.P., Logan, M.G., Kendall, A.J., Ferracane, J.L., Pfeifer, C.S.
Effect of side-group methylation on the performance of methacrylamides and methacrylates for dentin hybridization (2021) Dental Materials, 37 (5), pp. 805-815.
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85101868390&doi=10…: 10.1016/j.dental.2021.02.004
Fugolin, A.P.P., Costa, A.R., Lewis, S.H., Goulart, M., Erhardt, M.C., Pfeifer, C.S.
Probing stress relaxation behavior in glassy methacrylate networks containing thio-carbamate additives (2021) Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 9 (13), pp. 3015-3024.
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103884013&doi=10…
DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00176k
André, C.B., Rosalen, P.L., Giannini, M., Bueno-Silva, B., Pfeifer, C.S., Ferracane, J.L. Incorporation of Apigenin and tt-Farnesol into dental composites to modulate the Streptococcus mutans virulence (2021) Dental Materials. Click here for more info.
Dos Santos, H.T., Nam, K., Brown, C.T., Dean, S.M., Lewis, S., Pfeifer, C.S., Lei, P., Petris, M.J., Andreadis, S.T., Baker, O.J.
Trimers Conjugated to Fibrin Hydrogels Promote Salivary Gland Function (2021) Journal of Dental Research, 100 (3), pp. 268-275. Cited 1 time.
Cavalcante, L.M., Ramos, A.B., Silva, D.C., Alves, G.G., Antunes, K.B., Pfeifer, C.S., Schneider, L.F.J.
Thiourethane-functionalized fillers: Biological properties and degradation resistance Terms and conditions (2021) Brazilian Oral Research, 35, pp. 1-10. Click here for more info.
LLewis, S.H., APP, F., Lam, S., Scanlon, C., Ferracane, J.L., Pfeifer, C.S.
Effects of systematically varied thiourethane-functionalized filler concentration on polymerization behavior and relevant clinical properties of dental composites (2021) Materials and Design, 197, art. no. 109249. Click here for more info.
Goulart, M., Fugolin, A.P., Lewis, S.H., Rodrigues, J.A., Erhardt, M.C., Pfeifer, C.S.
Thiourethane filler functionalization for dental resin composites: Concentration-dependent effects on toughening, stress reduction and depth of cure (2021) Materials Science and Engineering C, 118, art. no. 111535. Click here for more info.
AN, HONGSEOK
Al Maaz A, Thompson GA, Drago C, An H, Berzins D. Effect of finish line design and metal alloy on the
marginal and internal gaps of selective laser melting printed copings. J Prosthet Dent. 2019
Aug;122(2):143~151.
Song MY, An H, Lim BS, Park EJ. The effect of temporary cement cleaning methods on the retention of
crowns using different cements. J Prosthodont. 2019 Jan;28(1):e210-e215.
Sorensen JA, An H, The desktop dental lab: Investigating a new option for chairside milling of custom
abutments. Inside Dentistry, Dec 2015, vol11, issue1
BERTASSONI, LUIZ
Qi Y, Zou T, Dissanayaka WL, Wong HM, Bertassoni LE, Zhang C. Fabrication of Tapered Fluidic Microchannels Conducive to Angiogenic Sprouting within Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels. J Endod. 2021 Jan;47(1):52-61. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.08.026. Epub 2020 Oct 9.PMID: 33045266
BOMPOLAKI, DESPOINA
Bompolaki D, Edmondson SA, Katancik JA. Interproximal contact loss between implant-supported restorations and adjacent natural teeth: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 83 restorations with an up to 10-year follow-up. J Prosthet Dent. 2020 Dec 17:S0022-3913(20)30696-X. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.09.034. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33342612.
Bompolaki D, Edmondson SA, Katancik JA, Kamposiora P, Papavasiliou G. Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Single Posterior Implant-Supported Restorations Completed by Predoctoral Students: A Retrospective Study with Up to 10 Years of Follow Up. J Prosthodont. 2021 Feb;30(2):111-118. doi: 10.1111/jopr.13284. Epub 2020 Dec 11.PMID: 33191552
Punj A, Bompolaki D, Kurtz KS. Dentist-laboratory communication and quality assessment of removable prostheses in Oregon: A cross-sectional pilot study. J Prosthet Dent. 2020 Aug 10:S0022-3913(20)30384-X. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2020.05.014. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32792142.
FERRACANE, JACK
Ferracane JL, Lawson NC. Probing the hierarchy of evidence to identify the best strategy for placing class II dental composite restorations using current materials. J Esthet Restor Dent. 2020. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33206440 Review.
França CM, Tahayeri A, Rodrigues NS, Ferdosian S, Puppin Rontani RM, Sereda G, Ferracane JL, Bertassoni LE. The tooth on-a-chip: a microphysiologic model system mimicking the biologic interface of the tooth with biomaterials. Lab Chip. 2020 Jan 21;20(2):405-413. PMID: 31854401
Fugolin APP, Navarro O, Logan MG, Huynh V, França CM, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Synthesis of di- and triacrylamides with tertiary amine cores and their evaluation as monomers in dental adhesive interfaces.Acta Biomater. 2020 Oct 1;115:148-159. PMID: 32853802
Fugolin AP, Lewis S, Logan MG, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Methacrylamide-methacrylate hybrid monomers for dental applications. Dent Mater. 2020 Aug;36(8):1028-1037. PMID: 32536589
Fugolin AP, Costa AR, Kono E, Quirk E, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Influence of the organic matrix composition on the polymerization behavior and bulk properties of resin composites containing thiourethane-functionalized fillers. Eur Polym J. 2020 May 5;130:109664. PMID: 32405085
Fugolin AP, de Paula AB, Dobson A, Huynh V, Consani R, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS. Alternative monomer for BisGMA-free resin composites formulations. Dent Mater. 2020 Jul;36(7):884-892. PMID: 32402514
Hilton TJ, Funkhouser E, Ferracane JL, Gilbert GH, Gordan VV, Bennett S, Bone J, Richardson PA, Malmstrom H; National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group. Symptom changes and crack progression in untreated cracked teeth: One-year findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. J Dent. 2020 Feb;93:103269. PMID: 31899264
Hilton TJ, Funkhouser E, Ferracane JL, Schultz-Robins M, Gordan VV, Bramblett BJ, Snead RM Jr, Manning W, Remakel JR; National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group. Recommended treatment of cracked teeth: Results from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. J Prosthet Dent. 2020 Jan;123(1):71-78. PMID: 31202547 Free PMC article.
Horsophonphong S, Sercia A, França CM, Tahayeri A, Reddy AP, Wilmarth PA, Surarit R, Smith AJ, Ferracane JL, Bertassoni LE. Equivalence of human and bovine dentin matrix molecules for dental pulp regeneration: proteomic analysis and biological function. Arch Oral Biol. 2020 Nov;119:104888. PMID: 32932150
Ionescu AC, Cagetti MG, Ferracane JL, Garcia-Godoy F, Brambilla E. Topographic aspects of airborne contamination caused by the use of dental handpieces in the operative environment. J Am Dent Assoc. 2020 Sep;151(9):660-667. PMID: 32854868
Kim YS, Choi SH, Lee BN, Hwang YC, Hwang IN, Oh WM, Ferracane JL, Chang HS. Effect of Tack Cure on Polymerization Shrinkage of Resin-based Luting Cements. Oper Dent. 2020 Jul 1;45(4):E196-E206. PMID: 32243252
Mushashe AM, Farias IC, Gonzaga CC, Cunha LFD, Ferracane JL, Correr GM. Surface Deterioration of Indirect Restorative Materials. Braz Dent J. 2020 Jun;31(3):264-271. PMID: 32667515
Mushashe AM, de Almeida SA, Ferracane JL, Merritt J, Correr GM. Effect of biofilm exposure on marginal integrity of composite restorations. Am J Dent. 2020 Aug;33(4):201-205. PMID: 32794395
Price RB, Ferracane JL, Hickel R, Sullivan B. The light-curing unit: An essential piece of dental equipment. Int Dent J. 2020 Dec;70(6):407-417. PMID: 32696512
KRETH, JENS
Cheng X, Redanz S, Treerat P, Qin H, Choi D, Zhou X, Xu X, Merritt J, Kreth J. Magnesium-Dependent Promotion of H2O2 Production Increases Ecological Competitiveness of Oral Commensal Streptococci. J Dent Res. 2020 Jul;99(7):847-854. doi: 10.1177/0022034520912181. Epub 2020 Mar 20. PubMed PMID: 32197054; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7313347.
Díaz-Garrido N, Lozano CP, Kreth J, Giacaman RA. Competition and Caries on Enamel of a Dual-Species Biofilm Model with Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2020 Oct 15;86(21). doi: 10.1128/AEM.01262-20. Print 2020 Oct 15. PubMed PMID: 32826216; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7580551.
Kreth J, Merritt J, Pfeifer CS, Khajotia S, Ferracane JL. Interaction between the Oral Microbiome and Dental Composite Biomaterials: Where We Are and Where We Should Go. J Dent Res. 2020 Sep;99(10):1140-1149. doi: 10.1177/0022034520927690. Epub 2020 Jun 1. PubMed PMID: 32479134; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7443996.
Kreth J, Abdelrahman YM, Merritt J. Multiplex Imaging of Polymicrobial Communities-Murine Models to Study Oral Microbiome Interactions. Methods Mol Biol. 2020;2081:107-126. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9940-8_8. PubMed PMID: 31721121; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7398006.
Marx P, Sang Y, Qin H, Wang Q, Guo R, Pfeifer C, Kreth J, Merritt J. Environmental stress perception activates structural remodeling of extant Streptococcus mutans biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2020 Mar 27;6(1):17. doi: 10.1038/s41522-020-0128-z. PubMed PMID: 32221309; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7101444.
Xie Z, Zou Z, Raz A, Qin H, Fischetti V, Zhang S, Kreth J, Merritt J. Regulatory control of the Streptococcus mutans HdrRM LytTR Regulatory System functions via a membrane sequestration mechanism. Mol Microbiol. 2020 Oct;114(4):681-693. doi: 10.1111/mmi.14576. Epub 2020 Aug 10. PubMed PMID: 32706915.
MERRITT, JUSTIN
Cheng X, Redanz S, Treerat P, Qin H, Choi D, Zhou X, Xu X, Merritt J, Kreth J. Magnesium-Dependent Promotion of H2O2 Production Increases Ecological Competitiveness of Oral Commensal Streptococci. J Dent Res. 2020 Jul;99(7):847-854. doi: 10.1177/0022034520912181. Epub 2020 Mar 20. PubMed PMID: 32197054; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7313347.
Treerat P, Redanz U, Redanz S, Giacaman RA, Merritt J, Kreth J. Synergism between Corynebacterium and Streptococcus sanguinis reveals new interactions between oral commensals. ISME J. 2020 May;14(5):1154-1169. doi: 10.1038/s41396-020-0598-2. Epub 2020 Feb 4. PubMed PMID: 32020052; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7174362.
Redanz S, Treerat P, Mu R, Redanz U, Zou Z, Koley D, Merritt J, Kreth J. Pyruvate secretion by oral streptococci modulates hydrogen peroxide dependent antagonism. ISME J. 2020 May;14(5):1074-1088. doi: 10.1038/s41396-020-0592-8. Epub 2020 Jan 27. PubMed PMID: 31988475; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7174352.
Esteban Florez FL, Hiers RD, Zhao Y, Merritt J, Rondinone A, and Khajotia S. Optimization of a real-time high-throughput assay for assessment of Streptococcus mutans metabolism and screening of antibacterial dental adhesives. Dent. Mater. 2020 Mar;36(3):353-365.
PFEIFER, CARMEM
Puppin-Rontani, J., Fugolin, A.P.P., Costa, A.R., Correr-Sobrinho, L., Pfeifer, C.S. In vitro performance of 2-step, total etch adhesives modified by thiourethane additives (2020) International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 103, art. no. 102688. Cited 2 times. Click here for more info.
Marx, P., Sang, Y., Qin, H., Wang, Q., Guo, R., Pfeifer, C., Kreth, J., Merritt, J. Environmental stress perception activates structural remodeling of extant Streptococcus mutans
biofilms (2020) npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, 6 (1), art. no. 17, . Cited 1 time. Click here for more info.
Faria-e-Silva, A.L., Pfeifer, C.S. Development of dual-cured resin cements with long working time, high conversion in absence of light and reduced polymerization stress. Click here for more info.