“Integrating science with clinical practice”

At Kishen Lab, our research drives innovation in endodontics and oral health through a blend of fundamental discovery, translational science, and advanced technology. We explore the biology, immunology, and mechanics of dental tissues, with the goal of developing next-generation diagnostics, therapies, and materials to preserve and regenerate the tooth and its supporting structures.

Our current research themes include:

  • Regenerative Endodontics:
    Developing 3D organoid models and engineered scaffolds to promote pulp and root regeneration, with a focus on cell–cell and neuro-immune interactions.

  • Biomaterials & Nanotechnology:
    Engineering and testing innovative biomaterials—including nanocomplexes and bioactive glasses—for enhanced antibacterial, mechanical, and healing properties in dental applications.

  • Immunology & Host–Pathogen Interactions:
    Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, infection, and tissue repair, including the design of new intracanal medications with immunomodulatory effects.

BASIC RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION
Chronic wounds and tissue modulation: Wound repair involve complex interplay between extracellular matrix, endogenous cells, and immune cells, resulting in the induction of inflammatory mediators and proteases. Over 90% of chronic oral wounds are mediated by tenacious bacterial biofilm. Antibiotics are often inadequate to overcome biofilms and adjunctive therapies are prerequisite. The goal is to achieve self-limiting, regulated host-immune response as a strategy to treat chronic wounds. This strategy is an answer to the rising concern of antibiotic resistance worldwide. The engineered nanoparticles have been optimized to perform multiple functions such as reverse disease mediated alterations in hard tissues, improve fracture toughness, inactivate host derived proteases and induce biomineralization.

Host signalling and cellular response in bacteria-mediated infection: Crosstalk of endogenous tissue cells and immune cells results in distinct inflammatory mediators that regulates the balance between health and disease. We have developed in vitro models to study the interaction between host cells and microbial/non-microbial factors that mediates inflammation. These experiments are essential to better understand the mechanisms underlying disease and healing. We have also developed in vitro disease models and assays to assess therapeutic efficacies quantitatively and qualitatively.

Hard tissue biomechanics: We employ optical interferometry-based techniques which are highly sensitive methods with high-resolution, to characterize dental hard tissue, under physiologically relevant conditions. Our studies highlighted a distinct structure to function relationships in dento-osseous structures. We have previously optimized miniaturized models to study biomechanical response, fluid dynamics and drug delivery.

CLINICAL RESEARCH TRANSLATION

• Tooth sensitivity varnish

• Antibacterial oral health varnish

• Chronic wound healing strategy

• Root canal treatment solutions

IMPACT

The science of nanotherapeutics developed in our research program will be the foundation for future strategies aimed to prevent / treat bacteria driven dental diseases as well as chronic wounds. Our research will provide experts in dental biomaterial, oral biologists and dental industry, systems for (a) in-depth understanding of health / disease and (b) high-throughput testing of medications. Furthermore, our research program will provide a multidisciplinary and highly mentored training program for post-graduate students to develop into next generation leaders in these growing areas of oral health and chronic wound research.

Recent Publications (Last 10)

Impact of Dentin Conditioning and Sealer Modification With Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite Nanocomplexes
del Carpio-Perochena A., Nicholson E., Singh C.V., Camilleri J., Kishen A. | 2022 | Journal of Endodontics
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Development of a Core Outcome Set in Endodontics (COS-ENDO): Part 4 – COS-ENDO for Vital Pulp Therapy
Zanjir M., Cardoso E., Harman N.L., Khansari A., Jafarzadeh H., Kishen A., et al. | 2025 | Journal of Endodontics
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Pericervical Dentin Metrics in Mandibular First Molars Determined with Digital Periapical Radiography and CBCT
Boveda C., Kishen A., Millan B., Camejo M.V., Gomez-Sosa J.F. | 2024 | Journal of Endodontics
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Impact of Wine Polyphenols on the Inflammatory Profile of Induced Apical Periodontitis in Rats
Ricci R., de Moura Pereira B., Alvarado J.D.A., de Oliveira Sales-Junior R., da Silva Machado N.E., Kishen A., et al. | 2025 | Journal of Endodontics
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3D Organoids for Regenerative Endodontics
Li F.-C., Kishen A. | 2023 | Biomolecules
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Methodological Quality Assessment Criteria for the Evaluation of Laboratory-Based Studies
Nagendrababu V., Abbott P.V., Boutsioukis C., Duncan H.F., Faggion C.M., Kishen A., et al. | 2022 | International Endodontic Journal
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Human Amniotic Membrane Extracellular Matrix Scaffold for Dental Pulp Regeneration
Bakhtiar H., Ashoori A., Rajabi S., Pezeshki-Modaress M., Ayati A., Azarpazhooh A., Kishen A., et al. | 2022 | International Endodontic Journal
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Assessing Macrophage Polarization in Nanoparticle-Guided Wound Repair
Singh K., Ali A., Shrestha A., Magalhaes M., Kishen A. | 2022 | Journal of Endodontics
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Nanomaterials in Endodontics
Kishen A., Shrestha A. | 2022 | Endodontic Advances and Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines
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Local Immunomodulatory Effects of Intracanal Medications in Apical Periodontitis
Hussein H., Kishen A. | 2022 | Journal of Endodontics
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Anil Kishen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Click here for updated patent list
 
  • Medical/dental handpiece
    Patent number: 11191428
    Abstract: A medical/dental handpiece comprises a housing having distal portion, the head portion having a bottom surface defining an opening. A motor and a light source are positioned with the handpiece, and the handpiece removably receives a light guide in alignment with the light source, to receive light from the light source. The light guide includes a probe which can be positioned adjacent or within a treatment area. The handpiece can be operated to activate only the light source, such that light is directed through the probe to or into the treatment area, to activate only the motor to rotationally or reciprocatingly drive the light guide, or to activate both the light source and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SYACT, LLP

    Inventors: Jeffrey Wen Wei Chang, George Bruder, Sergio Kuttler, Anil Kishen

  • Synergistic ultrasonic, sonic or electric energy and light transmitting probe for disinfection of root canals during an endodontic procedure
    Patent number: 11090135
    Abstract: A light transmitting probe for use in endodontic procedures comprises a light transmitting core and a metallic sheath surrounding said core. The metallic sheath defines a reflective inner surface. The probe further includes a plurality of apertures formed in the sheath, such that light can exit said probe through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SYACT, LLP
    Inventors: George Bruder, Sergio Kuttler, Anil Kishen
     
  • PHOTOSENSITISING COMPOSITION AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20210000989
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of at least one surfactant at least one alcohol; and/or water, with the proviso that when the at least one surfactant is an alcohol, it is different from the at least one alcohol. In particular, the composition may comprise a mixture of glycerol, ethanol and water. Alternatively, the composition may comprise a mixture of polyethylene glycol, ethanol and water. The photosensitising composition may further comprise at least one photosensitising compound. The present invention also provides a method of treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Anil KISHEN, Saji GEORGE, Chiew Lian Jennifer NEO, Keang-Peng SONG
     
  • PHOTOSENSITISING COMPOSITION AND ITS USES
    Publication number: 20200197519
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of at least one oxygen carrier, at least one oxidising agent and at least one surfactant, and its uses. The ratio of the at least one oxygen carrier to the at least one oxidising agent to the at least one surfactant may be in the range of 50:40:10 to 80:19.8:0.2. The photosensitising composition may be used for treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Applicant: DENTSPLY SIRONA INC.
    Inventors: Anil KISHEN, Saji George
     
  • Photosensitising composition and its uses
    Patent number: 10568961
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of at least one oxygen carrier, at least one oxidising agent and at least one surfactant, and its uses. The ratio of the at least one oxygen carrier to the at least one oxidising agent to the at least one surfactant may be in the range of 50:40:10 to 80:19.8:0.2. The photosensitising composition may be used for treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Kishen, Saji George
     
  • SYNERGISTIC ULTRASONIC, SONIC OR ELECTRIC ENERGY AND LIGHT TRANSMITTING PROBE FOR DISINFECTION OF ROOT CANALS DURING AN ENDODONTIC PROCEDURE
    Publication number: 20190159867
    Abstract: A light transmitting probe for use in endodontic procedures comprises a light transmitting core and a metallic sheath surrounding said core. The metallic sheath defines a reflective inner surface. The probe further includes a plurality of apertures formed in the sheath, such that light can exit said probe through the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: George Bruder, Sergio Kuttler, Anil Kishen
     
  • ENDODONTIC RESTORATION POST
    Publication number: 20190151047
    Abstract: A structural member made at least in part from a fiber reinforced composite material is provided for use in strengthening the crown of an endodontically treated tooth. The structural member can be attached to a post member, such that the structural member and post member, in combination, define a 3D post for reinforcing an endodontically treated tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: George Bruder, Sergio Kuttler, Anil Kishen
     
  • ACTIVATED MICRO-BUBBLE BASED ROOT CANAL DISINFECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180256455
    Abstract: A photoactive solution and a micro-bubble solution are provided as part of a system for use in disinfecting a root canal. The system also include a handpiece having a flexible tip. When the handpiece is energized, vibrations are induced in the flexible tip to mechanically activate the micro-bubble solution in the root canal. The photoactive solution contains a photoactive compound dissolved in an alcohol carrier solution; and the micro-bubble solution contains an oxygen carrier, an oxidizing agent and a surfactant. The flexible tip transmits light energy into the root canal. The micro-bubble solution facilitates delivery of the light to the photoactive solution to activate the photoactive solution in the canal. The activated photoactive solution then acts on the oxygen introduced in the canal via the micro-bubble solution to disinfect the root canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventor: Anil Kishen
     
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MICRO AND NANOPARTICLES FOR USE IN ROOT CANAL THERAPIES
    Publication number: 20180185249
    Abstract: Chitosan nanoparticles are provided for use in the in vivo treatment of connective tissues in root canal therapies. The nanoparticles are optionally linked with one or more photoactivatable compounds for providing antibactenal/antibiofilm properties, neutralizing bacterial byproducts and/or chemical/photodynamic crosslinking to achieve enhanced mechanical properties, chemical stability in connective tissues and/or to improve surface/interfacial integrity between filling material and connective tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Anil KISHEN, Annie SHRESTHA
     
  • Activated micro-bubble based root canal disinfection
    Patent number: 9987200
    Abstract: A photo-chemically activated micro-bubble based root canal disinfection method for disinfecting a shaped root canal comprises (a) introducing a photoactive solution into the root canal, the photoactive solution containing a photoactive compound (such as methylene blue) dissolved in an alcohol carrier solution (such as polyethylene glycol and/or ethanol); (b) removing excess photoactive solution from the root canal; (c) introducing a micro-bubble solution comprised of an oxygen carrier (such as perfluorocarbon), an oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) and a surfactant (such as a nonionic polyoxyethylene surfactant); (d) sonically or ultrasonically activating the micro-bubble solution in the canal; and (e) introducing light into the canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SyACT, LLP
    Inventor: Anil Kishen
     
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERY OF PARTICLES IN A ROOT CANAL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180049856
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method for reducing bacteria of a tooth receiving root canal treatment, the tooth having a root canal, and the method includes deploying an intracanal electrode within the root canal; deploying an intraoral electrode in close proximity to the root canal and external to the tooth; and applying a potential difference between the electrodes to create an electric field therebetween to reduce the bacteria of the tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dan Andrei Ionescu, Anil Kishen
     
  • MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MICRO AND NANOPARTICLES FOR USE IN ROOT CANAL THERAPIES
    Publication number: 20170056297
    Abstract: Chitosan nanoparticles are provided for use in the in vivo treatment of connective tissues in root canal therapies. The nanoparticles are optionally linked with one or more photoactivatable compounds for providing antibacterial/antibiofilm properties, neutralizing bacterial byproducts and/or chemical/photodynamic crosslinking to achieve enhanced mechanical properties, chemical stability in connective tissues and/or to improve surface/interfacial integrity between filling material and connective tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Anil KISHEN, Annie SHRESTHA
     
  • PHOTO-CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED MICRO-BUBBLE BASED ROOT CANAL DISINFECTION
    Publication number: 20160067149
    Abstract: A photo-chemically activated micro-bubble based root canal disinfection method for disinfecting a shaped root canal comprises (a) introducing a photoactive solution into the root canal, the photoactive solution containing a photoactive compound (such as methylene blue) dissolved in an alcohol carrier solution (such as polyethylene glycol and/or ethanol); (b) removing excess photoactive solution from the root canal; (c) introducing a micro-bubble solution comprised of an oxygen carrier (such as perfluorocarbon), an oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) and a surfactant (such as a nonionic polyoxyethylene surfactant); (d) sonically or ultrasonically activating the micro-bubble solution in the canal; and (e) introducing light into the canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Anil Kishen
     
  • Multi-Functional Micro and Nanoparticles for Use in Root Canal Therapies
    Publication number: 20150086631
    Abstract: Chitosan nanoparticles are provided for use in the in vivo treatment of connective tissues in root canal therapies. The nanoparticles are optionally linked with one or more photoactivatable compounds for providing antibactenal/antibiofilm properties, neutralizing bacterial byproducts and/or chemical/photodynamic crosslinking to achieve enhanced mechanical properties, chemical stability in connective tissues and/or to improve surface/interfacial integrity between filling material and connective tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
    Inventors: Anil Kishen, Annie Shrestha
     
  • PHOTOSENSITISING COMPOSITION AND ITS USES
    Publication number: 20110027384
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of at least one oxygen carrier, at least one oxidising agent and at least one surfactant, and its uses. The ratio of the at least one oxygen carrier to the at least one oxidising agent to the at least one surfactant may be in the range of 50:40:10 to 80:19.8:0.2. The photosensitising composition may be used for treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Anil Kishen, Saji George
     
  • Photosensitising Composition and Uses Thereof
    Publication number: 20090285766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photosensitising composition comprising a mixture of: at least one surfactant; at least one alcohol; and/or water, with the proviso that when the at least one surfactant is an alcohol, it is different from the at least one alcohol. In particular, the composition may comprise a mixture of glycerol, ethanol and water. Alternatively, the composition may comprise a mixture of polyethylene glycol, ethanol and water. The photosensitising composition may further comprise at least one photosensitising compound. The present invention also provides a method of treating and/or preventing conditions caused by microorganisms in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Anil Kishen, Saji George, Chiew Lian Jennifer Neo, Keang-Peng Song
     
  • Fiber optic bio-sensor
    Publication number: 20060177891
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing and monitoring a property associated with transformation of a biochemical analyte by a micro-organism, the sensor comprising a glass permeable coating applied to an unclad portion (14) of a fibre optic member (13). The coating has a transformable precursor impregnated into it, the precursor being specifically metabolisable by one or more targeted organisms. When the sensor is placed in contact with a sample in a container (15) contacting an active targeted micro-organisms, the precursor is transformed by the micro-organisms to produce a spectroscopically detectable indicator of the property of the analyte. Spectroscopic information may be analysed by a computer program to provide an overall index of microbiological activity for the targeted micro-organism. The invention extends to a method of producing a sensor and a method of identifying the presence of a targeted micro-organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Anil Kishen, Shelly Mechery, Chu-Sing Lim, Anand Asundi
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