Koo, Hyun

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Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Publication
    Novel Endodontic Disinfection Approach Using Nanotechnology
    (2016-08-09) Bukhari, Sarah; Koo, Hyun; Karabucak, Bekir
    The aim of this in vitro investigation was to use a recently developed Enterococcus faecalis infection model using root canal for evaluating iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NP) with biomimetic (catalytic) properties as a new antimicrobial endodontic treatment. We compared iron oxide NP bioactivity with currently used chemical modalities using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as analytical tools. We hypothesized that iron oxide NP with enzyme-like (peroxidase) activity catalyzes H2O2 to promote bacterial killing within dentinal tubules (DT) via in situ production of free radicals. We further hypothesized that the NP is more effective than the conventional treatments (irrigants) used in the clinical endodontic practice. Because iron oxides can be used as food additives, and iron oxide NP formulations are low-cost and FDA-approved for human use, it could be a safe and feasible approach to potentiate the effects of a commonly used antiseptic.
  • Publication
    Microrobotics for Precision Biofilm Diagnostics and Treatment
    (The Authors, 2022-04-21) Babeer, Alaa; Oh, M.J.; Ren, Sijie; Liu, Y.; Marques, F.; Poly, A.; Karabucak, Bekir; Steager, Edward B; Koo, Hyun
    Advances in small-scale robotics and nanotechnology are providing previously unimagined opportunities for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with high precision, control, and efficiency. We designed microrobots for tetherless biofilm treatment and retrieval using iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with dual catalytic-magnetic functionality as building blocks. We show 2 distinct microrobotic platforms. The first system is formed from NPs that assemble into aggregated microswarms under magnetic fields that can be controlled to disrupt and retrieve biofilm samples for microbial analysis. The second platform is composed of 3-dimensional (3D) micromolded opacifier-infused soft helicoids with embedded catalytic-magnetic NPs that can be visualized via existing radiographic imaging techniques and controlled magnetically inside the root canal, uninterrupted by the soft and hard tissues surrounding the teeth in an ex vivo model. These microrobots placed inside the root canal can remove biofilms and be efficiently guided with microscale precision. The proof-of-concept paradigm described here can be adapted to target difficult-to-reach anatomical spaces in other natural and implanted surfaces in an automated and tether-free manner.