Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and deep-tech startup Theranautilus have engineered CalBots—magnetic nanobots capable of penetrating deep into dentinal tubules, the microscopic tunnels in teeth that lead to nerve endings. These bots form durable seals on worn enamel, providing long-lasting relief from tooth sensitivity in just one application. The study appears in Advanced Science.
A New Class of Bioceramic Cement
As reported by medicalxpress, the CalBots use a proprietary calcium silicate-based bioceramic formula designed specifically for dental hypersensitivity. While bioceramics are common in orthopedics and dentistry for their mineralizing properties, the team aimed to create a formulation that could travel deeper into the tooth and last longer than current treatments.
Targeting the Root Cause of Sensitivity
Dental hypersensitivity affects nearly one in four people globally. It occurs when dentinal tubules become exposed due to enamel erosion or gum recession, allowing stimuli to directly reach nerve endings. Current treatments, such as desensitizing toothpastes, provide only surface-level relief and require repeated application.
Guided Nanobots for Deep Sealing
Measuring just 400 nanometers, CalBots are guided by an external magnetic field to travel 300–500 micrometers into the exposed tubules. Once inside, they self-assemble into cement-like plugs that mimic the tooth’s natural environment, sealing the tubules and blocking pain signals.
Successful Lab and Animal Tests
To evaluate their effectiveness, the team tested CalBots on extracted human teeth with exposed dentin. Under a magnetic field for 20 minutes, the bots formed deep, stable plugs, confirmed by high-resolution imaging. Encouraged by these results, the researchers moved to animal trials. Mice with induced tooth sensitivity avoided cold water, but after CalBot treatment, they resumed drinking it—showing 100% behavioral recovery.
Safe and Biocompatible
Composed entirely of materials classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), CalBots demonstrated high biocompatibility in toxicity tests, with no adverse effects in mice. “This is a compelling demonstration of what nanorobotics can achieve,” said Ambarish Ghosh, Professor at CeNSE and corresponding author.
Towards Regenerative Nanodentistry
While the current focus is on treating sensitivity, the research paves the way for broader applications in regenerative dentistry. “We’ve created a regenerative, active nanomaterial—a step toward the ‘tiny mechanical surgeons’ Richard Feynman envisioned,” said Debayan Dasgupta, co-founder of Theranautilus.
Innovation Made in India
Shanmukh Peddi, first author and co-founder of Theranautilus, noted, “This is something we’ve worked towards silently for years. And the fact that we’ve done it here, in India, makes us very happy.”