Eun Hyuk Lee

Peri-implantitis is one of the leading causes of dental implant failure. Bacterial biofilm contamination on dental implants can cause bone resorption and soft tissue inflammation. However, biofilms exhibit resistance to conventional chemical decontamination methods, while mechanical decontamination methods may potentially damage the implant surfaces. In this study, a safe and effective novel therapeutic approach for peri-implantitis is developed, utilizing nanozymes. Manganese oxide nanozyme-doped diatom particles (Diatom Microbubbler, DM) can generate microsized oxygen bubbles in hydrogen peroxide solution by the catalase mimetic activity. With the propelling force of the oxygen bubbles, these particles move randomly and can penetrate narrow spaces between the structures of the external surface and internal space of the implant. They exert just the right amount of force to destroy biofilms using kinetic energy without causing damage to the implant or surrounding mucosa, as opposed to conventional chemical decontamination agents such as chlorhexidine or 3% hydrogen peroxide. The elastic modulus of biofilms on the peri-implantitis-affected implant fixture (PAIF) was measured rheologically, and DM theoretically validated for its ability to effectively remove these biofilms. On the titanium disks decontaminated by DM, MG63 cells attached, grew, and proliferated well. The decontamination effect of DM could also be observed on the PAIF, and after replanting these decontaminated implants onto rabbits, a good BIC ratio was observed. DM did not adversely affect the physicochemical properties of titanium surfaces, and the safety was also verified. In summary, our new DM-based therapeutic approach will become a promising alternative to resolve clinically challenging aspects of peri-implantitis.

Dr. Eun Hyuk Lee graduated from the School of Dentistry, Seoul National University in 2016. Following his graduation, he underwent training at the Department of Prosthodontics at Seoul National University Dental Hospital. In 2020, he obtained his Ph.D. degree. Subsequently, he served as a dental officer in the Republic of Korea Army, and currently, he is a fellow at the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University. His research has been focused on applying nanozymes in the field of dentistry. Dr. Lee has been conducting research to develop new decontamination methods and multifunctional novel dental ceramics using various nanozymes. He has shared his research findings through papers and presentations at academic conferences. From 2021 to the present, he has published six papers as the first author in SCI(E) journals. In 2019, he received the Best Oral Presentation Award at “The Korean Academy of Prosthodontics” academic conference. In 2021, he won the top prize, Hatton Award, from the Korean Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), and in 2022, he presented at the IADR Hatton Award as a representative of Korea. Furthermore, in 2021, he was honored with the New Investigator Award from “The Korean Academy of Prosthodontics.” In 2022, his research achievements were recognized when he was selected as one of the 25 best ePoster presenters at the European Association for Osseointegration. Throughout this journey, Dr. Lee’s research on the application of nanozymes in dentistry has gained recognition, and he continues his research to implement nanozymes in practical clinical situations.