Mărioara MOLDOVAN
Marioara MOLDOVAN, Ph.D., Research Professor, Director of “Raluca Ripan” Chemistry Research Institute, Babes Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Her research focuses on the development and transfer of innovative technologies for the synthesis of nanostructured powders and advanced precursors for composite materials, as well as on the design of functional hydrogels and biomaterials for applications in dentistry and medicine. She is the first researcher in Romania to introduce graphene into dental materials, particularly in composites, cements, and dentin adhesives, opening new directions in this field.
Her scientific interests include the development of micro- and nanofillers, biomaterials, bioadhesives, and hydrogels for applications in dental caries prevention, dentistry, and medicine. Her work encompasses dental restorative composites, sealants, inorganic fillers such as bioglasses and nanocrystalline powders, sol–gel-derived nanomaterials, and surface functionalization strategies to enhance compatibility with polymer matrices. She also contributes to the development of biocompatible materials for dental implants and tissue reconstruction, as well as light-curable adhesive systems capable of forming thin functional films.
More recently, her research has expanded toward advanced graphene-based (graphitic carbon nitride) biomaterials integrated with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral tissue disorders. These bioactive thin-film systems combine structural performance with light-induced therapeutic effects, offering innovative solutions for oral tissue regeneration.
Through her contributions, she is recognized as a leading promoter of graphene-based and other advanced nanomaterials in dental applications, significantly contributing to the development of modern strategies for oral tissue restoration and therapy.
Abstract
Engineering Smart Hydrogels for Oral Healthcare Applications Combined with Photodynamic Therapy
Marioara Moldovan, Codruța Saroși
Babeș Bolyai University, “Raluca Ripan” Institute of Research in Chemistry, 30 Fântânele str., Cluj, Romaniammarioara2004@yahoo.com; codruta.sarosi@gmail.com
Introduction
Hydrogels have attracted considerable interest in oral healthcare due to their high water content, excellent biocompatibility, adaptable mechanical properties, and ability to mimic natural soft tissues. This research focuses on the development and engineering of hydrogel-based systems combined with photodynamic therapy for a broad range of dental and oral therapeutic applications, including controlled drug delivery, periodontal regeneration, wound healing, tissue engineering, and antimicrobial therapies. Particular emphasis is placed on optimizing hydrogel performance through polymer selection, crosslinking strategies, stimuli-responsive behavior, and the incorporation of bioactive agents and photosensitizers. The integration of materials science, biotechnology, photodynamic therapy, and dental medicine demonstrates the potential of engineered hydrogels to enhance oral healthcare and improve therapeutic efficiency.
Experimental
Recent advances in materials science and bioengineering have enabled the development of “smart” hydrogels capable of responding to environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, and enzymatic activity. In this study, polymer chemistry and nanotechnology approaches were employed to incorporate graphene nanoparticles, bioactive peptides, natural polymers, and photosensitizing agents into hydrogel matrices. The synthesized multifunctional hydrogels were investigated for applications in periodontal regeneration, oral mucosal wound healing, dental implant coatings, caries prevention, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Comprehensive physical, chemical, and antimicrobial characterization was performed to evaluate the relationships between structural parameters and functional performance.
Results and Discussion
The engineered hydrogels demonstrated significant potential as multifunctional platforms for oral healthcare applications. Their tunable physical and biological properties enabled efficient drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and targeted antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of photodynamic therapy further enhanced antimicrobial efficacy by promoting localized reactive oxygen species generation and reducing microbial biofilm formation. These findings support the development of minimally invasive and patient-friendly therapeutic approaches for the management of oral diseases.
Conclusions
Engineered hydrogels combined with photodynamic therapy represent an advanced and promising strategy for oral healthcare applications. Their high biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical characteristics, and multifunctional behavior support controlled therapeutic delivery, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and enhanced antimicrobial activity. The incorporation of graphene nanoparticles, bioactive peptides, natural polymers, and photosensitizers further improves their therapeutic effectiveness. The obtained results indicate that smart hydrogel systems associated with photodynamic therapy may contribute to the development of personalized, minimally invasive treatments with improved clinical outcomes in oral medicine.
Acknowledgments. This work was supported by a grant of the Ministry of Research, Inovation and Digitization, CNCS-UEFISCDI, project number PN-IV-P1-PCE-2023-1482, within PNCDI IV.
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