Element34 Technology

LUBBOCK and SAN ANTONIO, Texas--Element34 Technology, licensor of the antibacterial SeLECT Defense technology developed at Texas Tech University, has agreed to fund the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

The conpany will provide more than $240,000 for various studies that will take place during 18 months with the goal of measuring the effectiveness of E34’s SeLECT Defense technology on dental products.

Past studies of the technology indicate it reduces primary plaque-causing bacteria and addresses a need in the dental industry for a product that will reduce enamel demineralization. SeLECT Defense is believed to prevent this problem before it occurs.

“Our support of Dr. Ben Amaechi and his staff at the UT Health Science Center Dental School will provide an independent study of this technology and its importance to dental applications,” said Kenny Gallagher, president of E34. "We will continue to work with the very talented staff at the Dental School to compile testing data that will greatly benefit both dental practitioners and dental patients,.

SeLECT Defense technology was originally developed by Drs. Ted Reid and Julian Spalholz, professors within the Texas Tech University system and co-chief scientists of Selenium in Austin, Texas. Through a co-development agreement, E34 and Selenium created SeLECT Defense for dental sealants and orthodontic products as an antimicrobial enhancement that prevents bacteria colonization and plaque buildup.

Its proprietary chemistry is a “green technology” that inhibits microbial growth on surfaces through a natural, safe catalytic reaction that does not leach chemicals or toxins.

The new technology was introduced to the dental industry via a product lineup—including dental, ophthalmic, and other medical device coatings—that targets orthodontic specialist, pediatric dentist, dental hygienist and other dental professionals.

The world market for medical device coatings could exceed $7.5 billion by the year 2015, according to a new report by U.S. firm Global Industry Analysts.

“SeLECT Defense continues to be well received by industry professionals in a very competitive dental supply market,” said Gallagher. "We look forward to sharing the outcome from the UT Health Science Center Dental School studies in the coming months."

For more information, visit www.selectdefense.com.

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