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Moving with the “Green Wave” – Reimaging Dental Tissue Engineering Using Sustainable Nanofibrous Scaffold

Under the mentorship of Dr Nilesh Dubey, a team of National University of Singapore (NUS) High School students, Sean Lim Shi-An, Karis Yuen Xin Er and Harini Manivannan, won the Team Award and the Encouragement Award at the Sembcorp Marine’s Green Wave Environmental Care Competition recently. We catch up with the students to learn more about the award-winning project and how it will benefit oral health while promoting sustainability.

From left to right: NUS High School students Sean Lim Shi-An, Karis Yuen Xin Er and Harini Manivannan
with their mentor, Dr Nilesh Dubey.

Q: Tell us more about the project and how it enhances oral health and environmental sustainability.  

The “Sustainable Nanofibrous Scaffold for Dental Tissue Engineering" project investigates the potential of replacing synthetic material for tissue engineering applications with the bacteria nanocellulose, which is biodegradable and more environmentally friendly.

As part of the project, we examined nanocellulose’s drug-holding capacity and affinity with dental pulp stem cells. Our mentor, Dr Nilesh Dubey, guided us in studying the reaction of nanocellulose with dental pulp stem cells and its application in the delivery of drugs such as dexamethasone. The study hopes to examine the possible use of nanocellulose beyond the laboratory and in the consumer sector of oral health. 

Q: What inspired the team to embark on the project?

We initially wanted to do a research project on tissue engineering. However, Dr Dubey encouraged us to explore combining the basics of stem cell research with tissue engineering applications. His laboratory has already worked on eco-friendly materials for tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry applications.

Moreover, it was surprising to know that globally, 60 to 80 per cent of school children and 32.4 per cent of Singaporeans have untreated dental caries, which affects dental pulp and causes tooth devitalisation. That inspired us to explore looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the materials for dental tissue engineering applications. This was an innovative way to contribute positively to oral health while being environmentally friendly.

Sean and Harini receiving the awards from Minister for Education, Mr Chan Chun Sing.

Q: How has the project helped you in your learning journey?

The project allowed us to delve deeper into the world of biology. It was enlightening to learn more about dental stem cells and tissue engineering and conduct laboratory experiments to develop novel solutions while positively impacting the environment. We are grateful to Dr Dubey for guiding us through the project.

Q: Do you have tips or words of encouragement for students who may wish to embark on environmentally sustainable projects to benefit oral health in Singapore and the region?

Remember that change takes time and effort; even small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet. So, stay motivated, act, and be a leader for positive change!