Positive Trial Results With PARX Technology In Dental Applications

USA - English

• USA - English

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Parx Plastics NV (Euronext: MLPRX) announces the incorporation of a new joint venture, under the name Zinkh NV, to exclusively market its proprietary antimicrobial technology in dental applications. First in-vivo trials incorporating the antimicrobial and antibiofilm technology show significant benefits of the technology in contact with damaged gums as it is delivering fast(er) healing after prosthetic surgery, and in contact with teeth as it is preventing plaque build-up.

"The curing times seen after placement of dental prosthesis, applying a custom fit Zinkh plate on the damages gum and tissue, are unprecedented. This technology has the potential to change the world of dentistry and seriously reduce infection risks associated with these procedures," says Dr. Gianluca di Chiaro

A precious trace element for oral health

The Parx Plastics technology is derived from biomimicry and is making use of the trace element of Zinc. Zinc (Zn) is a trace element of valuable importance for all lifeforms. In the oral cavity, it is naturally present at various sites such as dental plaque, dental hard tissues and saliva. It is proven to be effective against common prevalent oral health problems such as dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and malodor. It is already being used in various oral health care products to control the formation of dental plaque and inhibiting the formation of dental calculus. Most importantly low Zn2+ levels in the serum are useful as a tumor marker. Thus, taking a note of its potentials, it can be concluded that zinc is a precious element for the maintenance of oral health.

Preventing plaque build-up overnight

The first in-vivo trials are showing promising results for preventative applications. Tests led by Dr. Gianluca di Chiaro in Italy are indicating reduced plaque build-up when wearing a dental appliance that uses Parx Plastics antimicrobial technology. Within this context, the long-term goal is to develop a so-called prevention tray that helps susceptible patients to maintain oral health by reducing excessive bacteria build-up throughout the night.

Plaque detection patient A

A plaque detection test was performed on patient A using a pink liquid (left picture) after which the teeth were cleaned and the patient was sent home with a Zinkh custom fit tray. The patient was asked not to brush his teeth for 48 hours and instead wear the Zinkh trays in the night for 8 hours. After the 48 hours, another plaque detection was done showing little to no plaque build-up (right picture).

Plaque detection patient B

A plaque detection test was performed on patient B using a pink liquid after which the teeth were cleaned and the patient was sent away with a Zinkh custom fit tray. The patient was asked to wear the tray for a period of 15 hours after which a new plaque detection was performed showing little to no plaque build-up (right picture) in this 15 hour time period.

Reducing bacteria pre- & post implant surgery

In parallel, Dr. Di Chiaro has documented experiments that visualize how Parx Plastics' technology helps to reduce the bacteria on the surgical site both before and after the surgery. These tests have laid the foundation for the development of custom dental appliances that will dramatically reduce the risk of perio-implantitis and the implant failure that comes along with the disease.

Collaboration opportunities with Zinkh

Considering the maturity of Parx Plastics' technology, Zinkh is eager to move fast in the development of these revolutionary appliances. As a consequence, the company is rapidly expanding its network by setting up partnerships with educational institutions, private practitioners and dental laboratories to fine-tune these developments. Interested parties that want to get involved in this development, are urged to contact the companies.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm technology

Parx Plastics developed and patented a method to incorporate the trace element of Zinc in polymers. This innovative method using the second most abundant trace element in the human body creates a modified mechanical/physical surface property that makes the surface resistant to bacteria and biofilm formation. Bacteria are not able to adhere to the surface and do not proliferate on the surface which results in a 99,9% or higher antimicrobial performance measured according to international norm ISO 22916. The technology does not only use a biocompatible and non-toxic element, but the technology is also intrinsic in the material and generates the antimicrobial effect without migration. So without the use of any toxic substances and without any elements leaching from the surface makes it an unprecedented safe technology. Since May 2018 Parx Plastics is a listed company on Euronext in Paris with ticker MLPRX.

Zinkh oral bacterial management

Zinkh NV, a new joint venture established January 2019 in Belgium, focusses on bringing the benefits of the trace element technology into the dental field. A combination of clinical as well as business development veterans in the dental industry, Zinkh's management team is in a unique position to launch a revolution in bacteria management. By not only supplying existing appliances such as bruxism or orthodontic splints with anti-microbial properties, but also developing new proprietary appliances in the realm of periodontitis & implantology, Zinkh is looking to become the global leader in dental bacteria management solutions.

Dental plates developed by Zinkh and tested by an independent laboratory performing accredited ISO 22196 tests show a Log 4,4 (99,996%) efficacy against E. Coli bacteria and a Log 3,2 (99,937%) efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus after 24 hours. Performing the same testing protocol but limiting the incubation time to 8 hours show already a performance of Log 4,2 (99,994%) and Log 2,2 (99,369%) efficacy against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Further tests performed with an 8-hour incubation show the same kind of efficacy of the technology against Streptococcus oralis , Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis.

Zinkh NV contacts:

Media:

Shane de Vreese
Member of the board
+32 475470885
[email protected]

Parx Plastics NV contacts:

Investors:

Felix Guépin
CFO
‭+31 649389802‬‬‬‬‬
[email protected]
http://www.mlprx.com

Media:

Michael van der Jagt
CEO
+31 654731725
[email protected]
http://www.parxplastics.com

SOURCE Parx Plastics NV