Cold sintering process (CSP) is an emerging low-temperature densification technique that consolidates ceramic and composite systems at ≤ 350 °C under pressure in the presence of a transient liquid phase. Unlike conventional high-temperature firing, CSP enables co-processing of bioceramics with polymers, biomolecules, and heat-sensitive therapeutics. This unique capability offers a new path for drug-eluting bioceramic components in oral healthcare, particularly for addressing fungal infections such as denture stomatitis and peri-implant mucositis. Current antifungal strategies in dentistry typically rely on soft polymer carriers, which are prone to roughening, limited durability, and biofilm accumulation. In contrast, CSP allows the fabrication of thin, rigid, polishable inserts or coatings that can release antifungal agents locally while preserving mechanical integrity and esthetics. We propose a translational roadmap for CSP-based oral devices, focusing on hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, and bioactive glass matrices co-densified with chitosan or polylactic acid (PLA) microdomains. These systems can incorporate antifungal drugs such as nystatin, miconazole, or chlorhexidine, and may be “recharged” by simple soaking during dental hygiene appointments. Candidate applications include antifungal denture liners, drug-eluting abutment or crown coatings, surgical obturator inserts for oncology patients, and resorbable intra-canal pellets for refractory endodontic infections. Key experimental priorities include verifying drug survival during CSP, optimizing flexural strength and polishability, establishing bonding to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and zirconia substrates, and evaluating controlled release and recharge performance under oral conditions. Early evidence from CSP composites in bone and drug-delivery contexts demonstrates feasibility, supporting further exploration in dental applications. By extending CSP into oral antifungal care, dentistry could transition beyond short-lived polymer drug carriers toward durable, rechargeable ceramic solutions. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce fungal burden, improve patient outcomes, and open a new frontier in biofunctional prosthetic materials. • CSP enables drug-eluting bioceramics at ≤ 200 °C for dental applications. • New antifungal uses: denture liners, abutment coatings, obturator inserts. • CaP/bioglass with chitosan/PLA domains enables controlled drug release. • Rechargeable antifungal delivery may lower denture stomatitis recurrence. • Roadmap provided from materials design to preclinical translation.
Mamaghani et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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