Friday June 25, 2021 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. – The Intellectual Property Center, Innovation and Enterprise Section held a press release session on innovation and technology transfer. The newly invented device was the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” that protects against germs spread from dental treatment. The device was publicized for the private sector to use commercially. The event was honored to have Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University to preside over. Among key attendants were Prof. Thidarat Boonmars, Ph.D., Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise; Assoc. Prof. Somkiat Luangpairin, D.D.S., a professor from the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University; Mr. Surat Leenasirimakul, D.D.S., a researcher and an alumnus of the Faculty of Dentistry; Khun Siang Ing Wang and Khun Suwatchai Dechapongsa, board members of W.H. Tech. Co. Ltd.; administrators of the Faculty of Dentistry and Khon Kaen University. The press release took place at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
At the press release, Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University welcomed the attendants and the news reporters. Assoc. Prof. Somkiat Luangpairin, D.D.S., a professor from the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University; Khun Siang Ing Wang and Khun Suwatchai Dechapongsa, board members of W.H. Tech. Co. Ltd. joined in explaining details of the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” that can protect against the dispersal of germs especially in the Covid-19 pandemic at present. It will provide safety for dentists and patients as well as build confidence of the public.
The event that followed was the signing of the contract for the technology transfer from Khon Kaen University to W.H. Tech. Co. Ltd., as the sole user of the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” technology. The company can now manufacture and sell the device in the country and abroad. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University signed the contract on KKU’s part and Khun Siang Ing Wang signed for W.H. Tech. Co. Ltd.
The research work on the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” that protects against germs spread from dental treatment was the work collaborated by Assoc. Prof. Somkiat Luangpairin, D.D.S., a professor from the Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University and Mr. Surat Leenasirimakul, D.D.S., a researcher and an alumnus of the Faculty of Dentistry. The research was meant to solve the problem arising during the operation of dentists, especially during the spread of Covid-19 that at present is still uncontrollable. There is a high chance of germ dispersal during the work of dentists, making their operation under risks, which can happen to the dentists, assistants, and patients. The outstanding point of the device is the prevention against the dispersal of germs and reduction of contact during the dental operation at 99.99%. The dentist can place the device over the nose and mouth of the patient, and thus there is no sound disturbance that may irritate the patient. The material used for the sleeve and the base is the same material used for face mask (SMS Fabric), which is waterproof but lets air flow through. The researchers already tested the flow of air in the device and found that the average flow-in or circulation of air is 9 liters/second. When checking inside the device, no inhalation resistance is found. It is certain that the patient can breathe normally and will not feel exhausted, even when being on the dental bed for a long time.
Assoc. Prof. Somkiat Luangpairin, D.D.S. said, “For the safety in cleaning after dental treatment, the researchers have designed the device that allows the user to kill the germs by spraying the Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water (EOW). This is done by connecting the device with a particle-collecting box. It was found that the efficiency in killing germs of EOW is even higher than 99.99%. after this, the dentist can use the dental antiseptic spray, or use wet tissue soaked in the dental antiseptic solution to clean the spot once more, then the efficiency will be 100%. This means the work of the dentist and the assistant will be safe from contracting disease during their work.”
Dentist Surat Leenasirimakul added, “From the design and test in terms of safety and capacity of the device after cleaning, we are certain that the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” is an innovation that will provide safety to the dentist and his patient by reducing the contract of germs from the particles that result from dental treatment. The “Microfluidic Trapping Device” has registered its right, has an engineering petty patent and is the world’s first device of its kind.”
__________After the press release, Mr. Surat Leenasirimakul, D.D.S. a team of dentistry professors, and dentistry personnel demonstrated the use of the “Microfluidic Trapping Device” during a dental treatment of a patient and the use of Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water (EOW) spraying that has a capacity of 99.99%, together with the spraying of dental antiseptic solution for another cleaning work that makes the efficiency in germ killing reach 100%. This means 3S Dental CHAMBER®, i.e., SAFETY of people, SECURITY of work, and SURETY of the social.
News: Watchara Noichompoo
Photos: Atthapon Hampong, Watchara Noichompoo
