In a new study, researchers described a small, flexible biosensor designed to detect inflammation inside the mouth in real time—potentially supporting the earlier identification of oral inflammation during routine dental examinations.
The researchers developed the tissue-adhesive hydrogel–MXene (TAHM) biosensor to measure tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a protein involved in inflammation. Elevated TNF-alpha levels are associated with common oral conditions such as pulpitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tissue destruction and tooth loss if not treated early.
“Infection-induced oral inflammations, particularly pulpitis and periodontitis, can result in serious complications, including pulp necrosis, periodontal tissue destruction, and ultimately tooth loss,” wrote lead study author Tsz Hung Wong, of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University, and colleagues, adding that early detection and control of inflammation are critical to preventing irreversible damage.
The researchers noted that dental diagnoses rely mainly on patients’ subjective narratives, self-reported symptoms, routine clinical assessments, and clinicians’ expertise and experience. However, they cautioned that these approaches might not accurately capture the true state of inflammation, potentially leading to over- or undertreatment.
Laboratory tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays can measure inflammatory markers but are often impractical in a dental setting because they require time and specialized equipment. The researchers therefore sought to develop a point-of-care tool that could work directly on oral tissues.
The TAHM biosensor combined three layers: a graphene/MXene sensing probe capable of converting biochemical events into electrical signals, a selective-permeable hydrogel membrane that can filter out unwanted molecules, and a sticky hydrogel patch designed to adhere to wet oral tissue. The device was able to detect extremely small amounts of TNF-alpha, resist interference from other substances in the saliva, and maintain accuracy even when stretched or exposed to movement inside the mouth.
The researchers tested the sensor in laboratory conditions, on porcine gum tissue, and in vivo in guinea pigs. In the preclinical models, the biosensor detected dose-dependent increases in TNF-alpha after injections designed to simulate inflammation. The study authors reported that the device “can accurately detect dose-dependent changes in TNF-[alpha] in the oral environment and can effectively output distinguishable signals while neglecting nontarget inhibitory factors in the oral cavity.”
“Collectively, these findings establish the feasibility of real time in situ monitoring of inflammatory cytokines in the oral cavity and underscore the sensor’s potential for [point-of-care] diagnostics and personalized health care,” the study authors concluded.
The researchers suggested that with further clinical validation, the device could be integrated into routine dental visits, allowing clinicians to assess inflammation alongside standard examinations.
Four of the study authors reported being inventors on a pending patent application submitted by Texas A&M University and Michigan State University, which covers the hydrogel-integrated TNF-alpha biosensor technology reported in this study. They declared no other competing interests.
Source: Science Advances
