Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) awarded the University of Illinois at Chicago a $320,660 Project Grant on July 9, 2026, under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121) to develop novel therapeutic formulations for early childhood caries (ECC) prevention. The research project will deliver scientific knowledge and experimental validation of anionic nanohybrid aggregate formulations comprised of chondroitin sulfate A and cerium oxide nanoparticles designed to selectively eliminate Streptococcus mutans and associated Candida albicans biofilm assemblages while minimizing toxicity to oral tissues. This approach addresses a significant public health challenge, as ECC affects approximately 25% of pre-school aged American children, with disproportionate impact on low-socioeconomic populations.

The two-year project (completion date: July 8, 2028) will produce research outputs including pull-down assays, antibody labeling studies, and mechanistic characterization of the nanohybrid formulations' targeting and aggregation properties. The research aims to overcome limitations of current antimicrobial ECC prevention protocols by developing a more selective and efficacious treatment approach with reduced microbial resistance concerns. The University of Illinois, a major public research institution and land-grant university with substantial NIH funding experience, will conduct the research at its Chicago, Illinois campus location.