Horizons Fall 2014

28 HORIZONS J effrey T hompson , Ph.D., professor and director of the Biosciences Research Center at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, knows the value of teamwork in research. This year, he became one of three NSU researchers to be awarded a patent. (See stories on page 29.) Working with his former colleagues from the University of North Carolina, he was awarded a joint patent on improved adhesion technology shared between NSU and RTI International, a leading research institute headquartered in Re- search Triangle Park, North Carolina. A grant from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded the research. The patent is for a surface modification technology that promotes chemical bonding between high-performance ceramic materials, like zirconia, and biological materials, such as tooth structure, or with other synthetic components, such as dentures and crowns. The method uses a chlorosilane precursor to produce a thin layer of silica on the inert ceramic surface. This allows traditional adhesive approaches and adhesives to be used in clinical bonding procedures with a high probability of a durable bond. “Zirconia is like Teflon ® , so getting it to bond with any- thing is a challenge. Our chlorosilane approach is one very promising solution to the problem of adhesive bonding of zirconia products in clinical dental applications. It also could have implications in other medical and nonmedical fields,” said Thompson. “NSU is committed to research with practical applica- tions,” said Gary S. Margules, Sc.D., NSU vice president for research and technology transfer. “We are proud to partner with leading research organizations like RTI to develop solu- tions for the field of dentistry—solutions that could also have implications in other medical and nonmedical arenas.” While not a dentist, Thompson’s training in engineering and materials science propelled him into research to make better and more durable ceramic materials used in crowns, implants, and dentures. Just as important, is that many ceramic materials look as good as natural teeth. That led to his research on the use of zirconia, a biomate- rial that is stronger and less likely to fracture than some other materials used to repair or replace teeth. Zirconia has other advantages as well. It is biocompatible, meaning it interacts safely with the human body. It does not produce allergic reactions. And, it is used with other materials to make teeth that are aesthetically pleasing. “They can be made to look like natural tooth structure. You can’t tell the difference if the work is good,” said Thomp- son, who has published 135 papers and book chapters. He also aims to create materials that are easy for dentists to use. “We are trying to make these technologies simpler to use and more cost effective. Most important, we are trying to improve the treatment outcomes for the patient,” said Thompson, who joined NSU’s dental faculty in 2007. Previ- ously, from 2005 to 2006, he served as professor and graduate program director of the Department of Biomedical Engi- neering at the University of Texas—San Antonio. For Thompson, research continues to evolve. “Our goal is to be more and more productive in scholarly activity every year. That means research, publications, and presentations at international and national meetings. That also offers exciting opportunities. As a faculty member, you have the opportunity to be part of the process of building the univer- sity,” he said. n Research Results in Patent By Mary Hladky FACULTY profile Jeffrey Thompson’s training in engineering and materials science propelled him into research.