Dental Biomaterials Laboratory (BioMaD)
The Dental Biomaterials Laboratory (BioMaD) is part of the Centro de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica (CiiB) at Universidad de los Andes, Chile. The laboratory integrates research in dental materials science, oral microbiology, and digital dentistry, with a focus on developing and evaluating clinically relevant biomaterial-based solutions.
BioMaD is located at the CiiB building (Av. Monseñor Álvaro del Portillo 12455, Las Condes, Santiago), at the ground floor (zócalo) of the CiiB.
Research Lines
🦠 Alternative Antimicrobial Therapies & Photodynamic Therapy Development and optimization of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using blue light and curcumin-based photosensitizers as antibiotic-free alternatives for managing oral biofilm-associated diseases, including Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis.
🔗 Adhesion to Dental Tissues & Restorative Interfaces Investigation of bonding mechanisms between restorative materials and dental tissues (enamel and dentin), including the effect of surface treatments, deproteinizing agents, and aging conditions on long-term adhesive performance.
💡 Polymerization & Light-Curing Technologies Evaluation of polymerization kinetics, shrinkage stress, and the influence of LED curing unit design on the mechanical and optical properties of resin-based dental materials, including bulk-fill composites and resin cements.
🖨️ CAD/CAM & 3D-Printed Dental Materials Assessment of accuracy, mechanical behavior, optical properties, and adhesion protocols for additive (3D-printed) and subtractive (milled) dental restorations, including interim and definitive indirect restorations using ceramic-filled resins.
Research Team
Principal Investigators
Dr. Gabriel Nima — Dental degree, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru (2007). MSc and PhD in Dental Materials, University of Campinas (FOP-UNICAMP), Brazil (2016–2020). Research focus: alternative antimicrobial therapies, photodynamic therapy, dental adhesion, 3D printing, and polymerization. → Full profile
Dr. Mario Felipe Gutiérrez — Dental degree and Specialist in Oral Rehabilitation. MSc and PhD in Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Dental Biomaterials. Research focus: dental polymers (adhesives, resins, and cements), ceramics, and digital dentistry.
Laboratory Manager
- Javiera Ortiz Méndez, DDS. MSc. — Laboratory management, research coordination and experimental support.
Equipment & Facilities
BioMaD is equipped for both physical/mechanical testing and microbiological work:
Mechanical & Physical Testing
- Universal testing machine (mechanical testing per ISO, ASTM, JIS, DIN and NBR standards)
- Grinding and polishing machine (manual and semi-automatic)
- Precision microcutter (Accutom T10)
- Analytical balance (high-precision gravimetric measurements)
- Binocular loupe
3D Printing & Digital Workflow
- Resin 3D printer
- FDM (filament) 3D printer
- UV washing and curing machine (360° UV treatment)
Microbiological Work
- Orbital incubator shaker (controlled cell and microorganism culture)
- Ultrasonic processor (sonicator)
- Ultrasonic bath
- Refrigeration system (Visicooler, 4°C, for microbiological samples)
- Refrigerator (4°C / −20°C zones for reagents and biological samples)
Other
- Mobile dental unit (air, water, suction systems)
- Electrosurgery unit
Equipment booking is managed through the QReserve platform. Access requires prior training by the responsible researcher or lab manager.
Joining BioMaD
We welcome motivated undergraduate and graduate students interested in dental biomaterials research. If you are interested in joining the group or collaborating, please reach out directly.