- Grant & Fund
- Expressions Summer 2023
Academic Staff Leads Cross-Universities Projects
Received Two Research Grants
Dr Wei Qiao, Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care
HKU Faculty of Dentistry has recently received two grants for two cross-university research projects led by Dr Wei Qiao, Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care.
CRF 2022/23 Young Collaborative Research Grant
The research proposal titled “Development of a wireless-powered optoelectronic device for precise control of bone homeostasis through the modulation of the skeletal interoceptive circuit” is a collaborative project with molecular biologists from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and electrical engineers from the City University of Hong Kong. It won the CRF 2022/23 Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG), supported by the University Grants Committee (UGC).
The team is developing a wireless-powered implantable device that can activate the sensory nerves in bone tissue with light. As a result, it drives the nervous system to control new bone formation. “Bone insufficiency is one of the most challenging issues in implant dentistry. As an implant surgeon, I am passionate about exploring better therapeutic strategies using the most cutting-edge technologies to regenerate bone tissue,” Dr Qiao elaborated.
With the UGC funding, the team’s next step is to test their prototype in animals to optimize the light stimulation scheme. They aspire to translate this product into clinical application. “I am grateful to receive this grant as it allows me to lead a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team to work on something big and crazy. We look forward to ‘shedding light on’ bones with our exciting findings!” Dr Qiao concluded.
The innovative design of the coating transforms traditional titanium implants into smart biomaterials. Therefore, dentists can eliminate peri-implant biofilm and promote new bone formation in a non-invasive approach upon the detection of peri-implantitis.
Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Research Project
The Faculty collaborates with Peking University and Shenzhen Hospital on the research project titled “The development of smart, responsive hybrid coating of titanium implant for immune-neural axis modulation”. This project aims at developing a near infrared-responsive coating on titanium implants that allows implant surgeons to combat peri-implantitis. The research team, led by Dr Wei Qiao, received a grant of over HKD 3 million under the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau Technology Research Programme (Type C)「深港澳科技計劃項目C類項目」.
Peri-implant infection is one of the most significant challenges to overcome in dental implants. The rough surface of most clinically used dental implants, which was initially designed to promote osseointegration, makes infection control extremely difficult.
“The innovative design of the coating transforms traditional titanium implants into smart biomaterials. Therefore, dentists can eliminate peri-implant biofilm and promote new bone formation in a non-invasive approach upon the detection of peri-implantitis,” said Dr Qiao.
The research team will further test the effectiveness of the coating in animal models with peri-implantitis. Dr Qiao expressed his gratitude for the generous grant and support provided by the Shenzhen Government, stating, “This further strengthens our confidence in collaborating with other researchers and institutions within the Greater Bay Area!”.
The Faculty extends warm congratulations to Dr Qiao for his outstanding achievements and reiterates its commitment to fostering research collaboration and teamwork across regions.