Multi-zone architected fixative strips for optimized hold, seal, and release
The Multi-Zone Architected Fixative Strips are an innovative solution that separates the functions of holding, sealing, and releasing in denture adhesives. Using a multi-material gradient, these strips ensure optimal adhesion and easy removal, eliminating user variability.
Overview
The Multi-Zone Architected Fixative Strips represent a breakthrough in denture adhesive technology, addressing the key pain points of hold, seal, and removability with precision. By employing an advanced architecture with graded zones, these strips ensure a high-toughness viscoelastic network in the interior for strong hold, a robust perimeter for effective sealing, and mode-I-weak paths that facilitate easy release. The use of biocompatible multi-material gradient printing allows for a flexible, chemistry-agnostic solution that adapts to various adhesive requirements.
Technical specifications
- Interior Zone: Features a high-toughness viscoelastic network, optimizing the hold by increasing work-of-adhesion under cyclic mastication.
- Perimeter Zone: Designed with high initiation toughness to prevent edge debonding and food ingress, ensuring a strong seal.
- Release Zone: Incorporates mode-I-weak paths for easy removal, balancing low separation force with high shear strength.
- Fabrication: Utilizes J5 MediJet multi-material gradient printing to create precise, repeatable bondline thickness without the variability of traditional creams.
- Testing and Validation: Employs advanced testing methods including full-field digital image correlation (DIC), acoustic emission (AE), and post-test micro-computed tomography (μCT) to ensure robust performance under mixed-mode loading.
Technology readiness level
This innovative technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, indicating that it is in the early stages of development with a focus on fundamental validation and initial testing. Future plans include further infrastructure development, baseline testing with commercial fixatives, and the creation of graded architectures for refined performance. Collaboration with the Marquette School of Dentistry will help bridge in-vivo testing for Phase-2 development.
About University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is a comprehensive public research university in the state’s largest metro, pairing broad academic breadth with an applied, urban mission. Industry engages through an innovation campus and research park that co-locate university labs with startups and corporate teams, plus shared-use core facilities. Its location puts partners near a major regional medical center and within a leading freshwater and advanced manufacturing cluster, enabling pilots, internships, and joint development. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and affiliated foundation manage IP, licensing, corporate agreements, and seed funding to accelerate commercialization.
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