My secret life (in the gingival crevice)

This paper describes my attempt to develop a new technology for sampling the contents of the gingival crevice. Following a brief introduction on the potential of the gingival crevice as a prognosticator of periodontal health, the problems associated with attempting to fulfill this potential are discussed. These problems include difficulties in identifying a crevice component or property that was correlated with disease, the shortcomings of the paper strip method used for sampling from the crevice, and finally difficulties in defining periodontal disease and finding clinical parameters useful for correlation with biochemical studies. A new technology for sampling the contents of the gingival crevice is described. This technology is based on immunomagnetic capture in which antibody coated magnetic microspheres are introduced into the sulcus. Following the capture of antigens, the microspheres are removed and the amount of antigen quantified by immunochemical assays. This paper describes attempts to develop this technology into a commercial product and includes experiences with raising capital and marketing the discovery. A brief discussion of the role of the scientific community, the practicing dentist and insurance coverage to the technology transfer process is included. Finally, some suggestions for improving the technology transfer process are included.