Texas researchers develop biofilm sensor that can detect gum disease early

Scientists at the Texas A&M University have engineered a new wearable biosensor that can detect biomarkers affiliated with periodontitis, underscoring the importance of proactive over reactive care when it comes to oral health. 

Dr. Chenglin Wu, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Texas A&M, created and tested a tissue-adhesive biosensor that can be placed in the mouth to detect inflammation biomarkers with molecular precision. Researchers noted this sensor’s ability to diagnose infections before symptoms appear can significantly improve patient health and keep more patients in a healthy recall status.

How this invention works 

The biosensor, which can remain attached while talking and eating, is outfitted with multiple layers that perform different functions, including the following: 

• A selective-permeable hydrogel layer that helps filter out unwanted molecules, essentially acting like a strainer by only allowing molecules of a certain size to pass through. Codeveloped by Dr. Shaoting Lin, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan State, Dr. Lin noted that “Sensing measurements can be significantly influenced by the dynamic movement of tissues. A more robust tissue bond allows for a more reliable sensing performance independent of the strain.”¹ 

• A graphene-MXene layer that can bind specific probes that only attach to targeted proteins. According to a press release by the university, this specialized sensing layer “targets the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-⍺) protein,” which is a prominent inflammation biomarker.  The inherent conductivity of this layer allows the change in the molecules’ charge to be measured.¹

Ultimately, accuracy is what sets this device apart; Dr. Wu’s biosensor can detect concentrations at the femtogram-per-milliliter (fg/mL) level. One quadrillion femtograms (A one followed by 15 zeros) is approximately one gram. A preliminary study from Science Advances reported that this biosensor indicates detection at just 18.2 fg/mL.¹ 

To put this into perspective, Dr. Chenglin Wu said: “A patient with a viral infection might show symptoms at 10 million or 1 billion virus copies per milliliter. Our sensor could detect 100 to 150 per milliliter.”¹

Paving the way for the future 

Although not yet widely available, this biosensor’s ability to flag TNF-α in the oral cavity can not only prevent disease but may save a patient’s life, as TNF-α has been linked to increased risk for oral precancer and cancer development.² Severe or untreated periodontitis may also lead to irreversible damage such as tooth loss.³ 

Per Texas A&M’s press release, “future studies could also adapt this type of biosensor for other parts of the body and for different biomarkers, given the versatility of the materials used.” Dr. Wu’s biosensor must undergo more clinical trials in both animals and humans before it becomes accessible to dental professionals nationwide.¹ 

References 

1. New biosensor offers early warning system for disease. Texas A&M University. February 17, 2026. https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2026/02/17/new-biosensor-offers-early-warning-system-for-disease/  

2. Brierly G, Celentano A, Breik O, et al. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(6):1841. doi:10.3390/cancers1506184 

3. Periodontal (gum) disease. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease