Dental Materials

Overview

We develop next-generation BPA-free restorative materials, including dental adhesives, resin-based composites and calcium-silicate materials. Our research integrates materials design with physicochemical characterisation, bioactivity testing and biologically relevant tooth models to create restorative solutions that are safer, more durable and responsive to the dentine–pulp complex.
 

Research Focus

• BPA-free and sustainable resin-matrix design

• Calcium-silicate materials for restorative and pulp-capping applications

• Material–tissue interactions, bioactivity and long-term durability
   

Featured Research

BPA-free resin-modified calcium silicate cement with enhanced bioactivity and biocompatibility
Huang, Shiqian, Ding Yuan, Mengxiao Xu, Xuedong Bai, Chau Tin Yuet, Mariano Simón Pedano, James Kit Hon Tsoi, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Jun Wang, and Xin Li* Dental Materials, 2026.
 

We developed BPA-free resin-modified calcium-silicate cements to combine practical handling with biological performance. The experimental materials maintained alkaline pH and sustained calcium-ion release, while the FUDMA-based formulation showed lower water sorption and greater apatite-forming potential than its BisGMA-based counterpart. In a vital human tooth model, the tested materials maintained organised pulpal morphology without necrosis after two weeks. These findings support the development of safer and biologically responsive materials for restorative and vital pulp therapy applications.
 

Selected Publications

• Lignin-derived bisguaiacol P vinyl ester as a bisphenol A-free resin alternative — Communications Materials, 2025.

• Gelatinolytic activity in dentin upon adhesive treatment — Scientific Reports, 2024.

• How effectively do hydraulic calcium-silicate cements re-mineralize demineralized dentin — Dental Materials, 2017.