Dentistry is constantly evolving, searching for materials that are not only safe but also stronger, longer-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. In recent years, a surprising new material has entered the scene: graphene — a nanomaterial famous for its strength, lightness, and antibacterial properties.

To learn more about how graphene could change the future of dental care, The Santa Clara Mail spoke with Dr. Juan Carlos Flores Arriaga, thesis advisor at the Faculty of Stomatology of the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP), and two of his postgraduate students: Dr. Samira Reyes Piñones, who completed her master’s thesis in 2023, and Dr. Antonio Gastelum García, who concluded his project in 2025.

Both researchers worked with graphene provided by Graphenemex, a Mexican company pioneering in the development and applications of this material.

Interview

The Santa Clara Mail (SCM): Dr. Flores Arriaga, what inspired your team to explore graphene in dentistry?

Dr. Juan Carlos Flores Arriaga (JCF): For decades, dentistry has relied on polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA, for prosthetics, orthodontic devices, and even bone cements. PMMA is reliable, but it has limitations in strength and resistance. When we learned about graphene’s extraordinary properties, we asked a simple question: What if we could combine it with PMMA to create something stronger and safer for patients?

SCM: Dr. Reyes, you were the first to take on this challenge in 2023. What did you discover?

Dr. Samira Reyes Piñones (SRP): My project focused on testing how graphene-modified PMMA behaves compared to traditional PMMA. We worked with samples provided by Graphenemex, and the results were remarkable. The material became 90% to 150% more resistant to fracture. In practical terms, that means dentures or devices made with this composite wouldn’t deform easily under the pressure of chewing. For patients, that translates to greater comfort and durability.

SCM: That sounds groundbreaking. But was it safe for cells?

SRP: Absolutely. We performed in vitro cytotoxicity tests with mouse fibroblasts, and the results showed that the graphene-modified PMMA was just as safe as regular PMMA. At the concentrations we used, it posed no risk to surrounding tissues.

SCM: Dr. Gastelum, your research continued in 2025. What was your focus?

Dr. Antonio Gastelum García (AGG): I concentrated on the antibacterial properties of graphene. One of the biggest problems in dentistry is Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium mainly responsible for cavities. We found that graphene in PMMA significantly reduced bacterial growth and also prevented the formation of biofilms — those sticky bacterial layers that attach to dental materials. This could be a huge advantage for maintaining oral health.

SCM: Dr. Flores Arriaga, how do these findings fit into the global picture of graphene research?

JCF: What we’re seeing in San Luis Potosí is aligned with studies from top universities in South Korea, Italy, Spain, and even here in Mexico with the UNAM. All these studies suggest that graphene is not only a high-performance material but also a promising ally in the biomedical field. We’re proud that our lab, with the support of Graphenemex, is contributing to this global conversation.

SCM: What does this mean for the future of dentistry?

JCF: We’re still in the research phase, but the possibilities are exciting. Imagine prosthetics, orthodontic devices, or implants that are not only stronger and longer-lasting, but also actively fight bacteria. Graphene could truly transform the way we care for dental health in the years to come.

Final Thoughts

The work of Dr. Flores Arriaga, Dr. Reyes, and Dr. Gastelum highlights how innovation in materials science can directly impact health and quality of life. With the collaboration of Graphenemex, these studies mark an important step toward a future where dental treatments are more durable, safer, and more resistant to disease.

As Dr. Reyes summed it up: “Graphene doesn’t just make our materials better — it opens a door to a whole new way of thinking about dentistry.”