Beirut Arab University announced in a statement that “a research team from the Faculty of Sciences at Beirut Arab University has achieved a new scientific milestone by obtaining a patent from the Lebanese Ministry of Economy.”
The patent covers the development of an innovative technology designed for advanced dental applications.
The technology relies on natural, environmentally friendly materials aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of dental restorations and extending their lifespan.
This achievement is the result of research efforts by a team of university scientists that included Professor Ghassan Younes, Professor Mohammad Dakdouki, Dr. Rana El Hajj, and Professor Heba Allah Nahhas.
The researchers developed a technique based on Green Synthesis Technology to produce advanced zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles through sustainable methods.
The team relied on locally available plant extracts to manufacture these nanomaterials, instead of traditional methods that depend on chemicals which can be harmful and require high energy consumption.
This makes the innovation more compatible with environmental sustainability standards.
Scientific tests have shown that incorporating the green nanoparticles into dental cement and polymer formulations — including temporary fillings, root canal sealing materials, and composite restoration materials — enhances their antimicrobial properties and helps improve the performance of these materials and extend their durability.
The invention also offers advanced solutions to certain clinical challenges by providing formulations that can be monitored using conventional X-ray techniques, without the need to add heavy metals, in addition to improving the compatibility, stability, and mechanical strength of the materials used in dental restoration.
This innovation stands out for its potential to be produced in a simple, scalable way and at a reasonable cost by relying on local resources, making it an important step toward promoting sustainability and supporting self-sufficiency in the dental field, while reducing dependence on imported materials.
This achievement reflects the scientific progress of the research team and the ability of Lebanese academic talent to develop innovative solutions that combine scientific research with modern medical applications, despite the current economic and industrial challenges.
