Under an effective microscope, the molecules in the compound– known as a microgel– appear as a lattice-like network or sponge which bind onto the surface of the mouth. Surrounding the microgel is a polysaccharide-based hydrogel that traps water. This dual function will keep the mouth feeling hydrated for longer.
With the commercially readily available products, in between 23% to 58% percent of the lube was lost. With the saliva replacement established at Leeds, the figure was simply 7%.
Microgel Technology Explained
Under an effective microscope, the molecules in the compound– called a microgel– look like a lattice-like network or sponge which bind onto the surface area of the mouth. Surrounding the microgel is a polysaccharide-based hydrogel that traps water. This double function will keep the mouth sensation hydrated for longer.
Lactoferrin which is a protein found in milk– colored dark blue– forms the mesh-like architecture of the hydrated microgel, partially covered by a hydrogel made by a polysaccharide κ-carrageenan, colored light blue. Credit: Dr. Anna Tanczos, www.SciCommStudios.co.uk
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, who has led the development of the saliva replacement, stated: “Our laboratory benchmarking exposes that this compound will have a longer-lasting effect.
” The issue with much of the existing industrial products is they are just efficient for short periods because they do not bind to the surface area of the mouth, with individuals needing to regularly reapply the substance, in some cases while they are talking or as they consume.
” That affects peoples lifestyle.”
Research Study Findings and Benchmark Results
Results from the laboratory evaluation, “Benchmarking of a microgel-reinforced hydrogel-based liquid lube against industrial saliva alternatives,” are reported today (November 20) in the journal Scientific Reports.
The efficiency of the recently developed compound in contrast to existing products is due to a process called adsorption. Adsorption is the capability of a particle to bind to something, in this case, the surface of the within of the mouth.
A potato protein– colored dark green– forms the mesh-like architecture of the hydrated microgel, partially coated by a hydrogel made by a polysaccharide xanthan gum, revealed in light green. Credit: Dr. Anna Tanczos, www.SciCommStudios.co.uk
Item Variants and Efficacy
The unique microgel can be found in two types: one made with a dairy protein and the other a vegan variation utilizing a potato protein.
The new compound was benchmarked against 8 commercially offered saliva replacements including Boots own brand name product– Biotene; Oralieve; Saliveze; and Glandosane. All the benchmarking was carried out in a laboratory on a synthetic tongue-like surface area and did not involve human subjects.
The screening revealed the Leeds product had a lower level of desorption– the opposite of adsorption– which is how much lube was lost from the surface area of the synthetic tongue.
With the commercially available items, in between 23% to 58% percent of the lubricant was lost. With the saliva replacement established at Leeds, the figure was simply 7%. The dairy version slightly surpassed the vegan version.
Dr. Olivia Pabois, a Research Fellow at Leeds and very first author in the paper, stated: “The test results offer a robust proof of concept that our product is likely to be more efficient under real-world conditions and might provide relief up to five times longer than the existing items.
” The outcomes of the benchmarking program beneficial outcomes in 3 key location. Our microgel supplies high moisturization, it binds strongly with the surfaces of the mouth and is an efficient lubricant, making it more comfortable for individuals to consume and talk.”
The compounds utilized in the production of the saliva substitute– journal and plant proteins and carbohydrates– are non-toxic to people and non-caloric.
Although testing of the brand-new item has actually involved simply lab analysis, the scientific team think the results will be duplicated in human trials.
The authors of the study are wanting to translate the lube technology into commercially offered products, to improve the quality of life of individuals who experience crippling dry mouth conditions.
Addressing Xerostomia– A Widespread Healthcare Issue
A dry mouth or xerostomia, to offer it its medical name, is a typical condition that impacts around one in ten of the population, and is prevalent among older individuals and individuals who have had cancer treatment or require to take a mix of medications.
In extreme cases, a dry mouth leads to people having discomfort swallowing and leads to poor nutrition and oral issues, all of which increase the burden on health care systems.
Recommendation: “Benchmarking of a microgel-reinforced hydrogel-based liquid lube versus commercial saliva substitutes” by Olivia Pabois, Alejandro Avila-Sierra, Marco Ramaioli, Mingduo Mu, Yasmin Message, Kwan-Mo You, Evangelos Liamas, Ben Kew, Kalpana Durga, Lisa Doherty and Anwesha Sarkar, 20 November 2023, Scientific Reports.DOI: 10.1038/ s41598-023-46108-w.
Financing: European Research Council, Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship, UKRI Northern Triangle Initiative, UKRI Healthy Ageing Catalyst Award.
The University of Leeds has developed a novel saliva alternative that is up to 5 times more efficient than existing products. This brand-new technology, making use of microgel and hydrogel components, offers improved moisture retention and comfort for people with dry mouth, appealing considerable advantages in health care and lifestyle.
Proof of idea of brand-new product for long-lasting relief from dry mouth conditions.
A novel liquid lube innovation designed to help people who suffer from a dry mouth is in between 4 and 5 times more efficient than existing commercially available items, according to laboratory tests.
Developed by researchers at the University of Leeds, the saliva substitute is described as comparable to natural saliva in the method it acts and hydrates the mouth as a lubricant when food is chewed.
