Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Florida Division of Sponsored Research received a $623,879 Project Grant awarded July 9, 2026, by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121). This research grant, with a completion date of April 30, 2031, funds fundamental research on ecological approaches for dental caries prevention and management. The project investigates how prebiotics—specifically N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)—can modulate oral microbial communities by enhancing the fitness of health-associated bacteria (probiotics) that suppress cariogenic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

The grant supports basic and translational research to advance understanding of oral microbiome dysbiosis and cariogenesis mechanisms. Deliverables include scientific findings on how prebiotics boost anti-caries metabolic pathways and how specific probiotic isolates can be directed to establish microbial homeostasis favorable to oral health. The research uses metagenomic and microbial community analysis methods to characterize polymicrobial biofilm interactions, with the ultimate translatable goal of generating knowledge applicable to improved caries risk assessment, prevention, and treatment strategies. This award aligns with NIDCR's mission to advance fundamental knowledge in dental and oral health and translate findings into prevention and treatment innovations.