Translational Research in Oral Health Science
Our research group utilises continuous culture, biofilm and animal models and has the following research focus.
Translational research
Dental caries remains one of the most preventable chronic diseases. It has huge health implications and is a major public health concern. The broad goal of research is the development of oral microbiome transplantation that will specifically target bacteria that cause dental caries and periodontal disease.
Oral diseases, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, may be improved by providing oral bacterial transplants. The project will develop and test the necessary tools to safely and effectively administer oral bacterial transplants and explore their effectiveness in treating dental decay and periodontal disease in animal models.
Oral disease: Focusing on interrelationships with systemic health
Periodontal disease has been linked to adverse systemic health issues including, diabetes, preterm birth and heart disease. The project aims to determine whether periodontitis is associated with dysbiotic changes in the gut microbiome/metabolome and if this is associated with systemic diseases.
Biofilm control associated with oral diseases
Biofilms are a key component of a number of oral diseases. This project investigates innovative “intelligent nanoparticles” and disruption of quorum sensing pathways to disrupt oral biofilms using impedance technology.
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Lead researcher
Dr Peter Zilm
Dr Peter Zilm’s study areas include: Understanding the relationship between oral health and systemic diseases by monitoring changes in the human microbiome; and developing 'intelligent nanoparticles' as mechanisms to reduce dental caries in the young and elderly.
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Research team
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Partnerships
- Dr Laura Weyrich - Penn State University, USA
- Dr Claus Christopherson - Edith Cowan University, Western Australia
- Dr Stephen Kidd - University of Adelaide, Molecular and Biomedical Science
- Professor Krasimir Vasilev - University of South Australia, School of Engineering
- Dr Alex Mira - Centre for Advanced Research in Public Health, Valencia, Spain
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Related areas of research
Interested in a postgraduate research degree?
We offer exciting opportunities for researchers at the honours, masters and PhD levels. Our research degrees are open to students from a broad range of backgrounds, and range from basic sciences to clinical research. If you are interested in human health, consider furthering your research career with us.
