Researchers at the University of Wyoming are developing a swallow-safe mouthwash using natural antibiofilm compounds, ensuring its effectiveness and safety, according to a news release dated December 18.
Furthermore, the mouthwash uses compounds from maple sap and green tea to prevent plaque without toxic antimicrobials, according to the release.
"There is an increasing awareness and sensitivity in the market for 'swallow-safe' mouthwashes, especially for kids and at-risk populations," Arundeep S. Pradhan, deputy vice president for research and innovation at the university, said in the release.
Mark Gomelsky, PhD, a professor of molecular biology at the university, was selected for the I-RED Ascend 2.0 2024-2025 cohort, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health to advance biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship.
Gomelsky's research on bacterial signal transduction has led to a deeper understanding of biofilm formation, virulence, and biotechnological applications, including bacteria engineered to target cancer and light-activated proteins, according to the release.
His current Ascend 2.0 project focuses on developing the mouthwash to prevent caries caused by Streptococcus mutans in collaboration with MayPall, a startup co-founded by students at the university.
"We believe that MayPall's formulations based on natural extracts offer a unique solution and address an increasing need for natural-based products," Pradhan said in the release.
