UNSW and SDI revolutionise dental care with mercury-free solution

UNSW Sydney, in collaboration with SDI Limited (SDI), has successfully developed a dental composite filling material that is an alternative to amalgam dental fillings, marking a significant breakthrough in dental care. This partnership, led by Professor Gangadhara Prusty, was part of an ARC Linkage and CRC-P-funded project that set out to solve one of the industry's major challenges: offering an alternative to amalgam, which is being phased out worldwide. This product, known as Stela is now being sold around the world.

By leveraging UNSW’s cutting-edge research capabilities, SDI was able to fast-track the development and market launch of their new, high strength and easy to place dental restorative. Within months of the project’s completion in 2023, SDI launched Stela onto the market. The product has quickly gained international traction, with demand outpacing supply in key markets across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Challenge

Traditional amalgam dental fillings, while durable, are being phased out across the world due to requiring manufactured mercury. Governments and health organisations have pushed for safer alternatives, but developing a viable, effective replacement has been a significant challenge for the industry. Some alternatives have either been too weak, or too complicated to place. SDI, already a leader in dental materials, aimed to address this by working with UNSW to create a restorative product that delivers high strength, is easy to place and does not require any powered equipment.

"We recognised that the dental industry was crying out for a solution that didn’t compromise the quality of the restoration, or the skill and location of the dentist. Partnering with UNSW gave us the research power to tackle this problem head-on and ensure our products lead innovation."

Solution

The collaboration started with Professor Prusty and his team at UNSW Engineering, who were developing a formulation that could replace mercury in dental fillings. The team explored a range of biocompatible materials, conducting rigorous testing in UNSW’s world-class labs to ensure the new product maintained the mechanical properties necessary for long-lasting dental care.

After several prototypes and extensive clinical trials, the research team discovered a novel compound with the same durability as amalgam. With this breakthrough, SDI could commercialise the product rapidly, bringing it to the global market.

Solution highlights include: 

  • Faster, stronger, and more efficient dental restorations
  • Unlimited depth of cure (normally 2mm)
  • No need for curing lights or other powered equipment (can be used in the field)
  • 2023 Australian Export Award in the International Health category
  • 2024 Innovation award from the Australian Dental Industry Association

"Our work with SDI has proven that academic and industry collaborations can result in real-world positive and commercial success. We’re incredibly proud to have played a role in addressing such a critical challenge in dental health."

Professor Gangadhara Prusty, UNSW Engineering

Impact

SDI’s new line of dental restoration products has gained widespread international adoption, with major dental organisations endorsing it as an alternative to amalgam. This momentum has enhanced as countries shift toward amalgam-free dental care. The product's success has accelerated SDI’s growth, prompting expansion of its production facilities to meet global demand. The collaboration with UNSW has solidified SDI’s leadership in dental materials innovation, with plans to launch further products in the pipeline.

  • Economic: Boosted economic activity, job creation, and export revenues, enhanced SDI's manufacturing capabilities, and opened strategic partnership opportunities.
  • Environmental: Reduced environmental impact by preventing mercury leakage.
  • Social: Improved patient outcomes with safer dental restoration products.

"The launch of our new product line is just the beginning. This collaboration has opened doors to new possibilities for SDI, and we look forward to continuing our work with UNSW to drive further dental health advancements."