- Highlights
- Jan 2023
- Bulletin
Faculty Member Leads Cross-university Multi-disciplinary Project
Received Young Collaborative Research Grant
Dr Wei Qiao is grateful to receive the grant.
The Faculty of Dentistry kicks off 2023 nicely with academic staff, Dr Wei Qiao receiving CRF 2022/23 Young Collaborative Research Grant (YCRG), supported by the University Grants Committee (UGC).
The research proposal titled "Development of a wireless-powered optoelectronic device for precise control of bone homeostasis through the modulation of skeletal interoceptive circuit" is led by Dr Wei Qiao, Clinical Assistant Professor in Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care. Dr Qiao shared with the Faculty this good news, “It is a collaborative project with molecular biologists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and electrical engineers from the City University of Hong Kong.”
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.
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 generous funding from UGC, 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 a light on’ bones with our exciting findings!” Dr Qiao concluded.