Wissenschaftler machen sich die Kraft der Natur zunutze, indem sie Oktopussauger nachahmen, um Zahnprothesen dabei zu helfen, im Mund zu haften

Scientists at King’s College London have achieved a significant breakthrough in denture technology by incorporating octopus-inspired suction cups into 3D-printed dentures. This innovation addresses a longstanding issue faced by denture wearers: keeping their dentures securely in place, a challenge often met with unhygienic and unpopular adhesive creams.

Octopus tentacles are equipped with suction cups that create a vacuum through negative pressure, enabling them to stick to slippery surfaces. Inspired by this natural mechanism, researchers designed dentures with tiny suction cups using Computer-aided Design (CAD). The result was a marked improvement in retention, with the prototypes demonstrating double the staying power of conventional dentures.

Beyond mechanical suction, the researchers also explored chemical bonding by coating the dentures with keratin, a protein found in human skin and hair. This keratin layer forms a natural bond with the mucosa of the mouth, further enhancing stability without altering the dentures’ appearance.

With an estimated 11% of the UK population and 350 million people worldwide relying on dentures, this innovation offers a more comfortable, reliable and hygienic alternative to traditional adhesive solutions. It also represents an exciting step forward in biomimicry, showcasing how nature can inspire solutions to everyday challenges.

The King’s College team’s work could redefine denture design and provide a practical and affordable improvement for millions of users globally.