By: Allison Currie
Dr. Zeeshan Sheikh is an affiliate scientist with Nova Scotia Health, a Clinical Scientist in Periodontics in the departments of Biomaterials and Applied Oral Sciences and Dental Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry at Dalhousie University.
He is also cross appointed to the School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, and an adjunct Professor, in the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences at McGill University and assistant Professor (status-only), Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Sheikh is also recognized as a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada in the specialty of Periodontics, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Can you tell us a little bit about your field of research?
As a clinician-scientist, I am deeply committed to conducting research that is not only innovative but also directly translatable to clinical practice, ensuring it has real-world applicability in surgical procedures. My primary research focus lies in the development and optimization of calcium phosphate biomaterials for bone regeneration, with applications spanning maxillofacial, periodontal and orthopedic fields. I also actively collaborate with a network of fellow researchers and clinicians. This collaborative work extends to the exploration of polymeric biomaterials, medical devices, and cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing of ceramics and titanium-based constructs for implantable applications. Through these partnerships, I strive to advance the field of biomaterials and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for clinical challenges.
What led you to this field/inspired you to do this work?
I have always been deeply interested in biomaterials and their interactions with the human body. As a surgeon, I frequently encounter challenges related to the materials and techniques used in clinical practice. My dual expertise in clinical surgery and biomaterials science allows me to address these challenges by taking them into the lab, where I can develop practical solutions.
Clinicians often have many questions about the materials they use but may lack the resources or knowledge to resolve these issues. On the other hand, scientists can create ideal biomaterials that function well in a laboratory setting but often fall short in clinical applications. What excites me most is that I am able to bridge this gap—closing the loop between research and clinical practice. By conducting research that is both innovative and clinically translatable, I strive to develop materials and techniques that not only work in theory but also perform effectively in real-world surgical procedures.
How does your research translate into healthcare solutions for the patient/public?
The primary goal of my work is to create biomaterials that not only promote effective healing but also enhance the overall outcomes of surgical procedures. By investigating various formulations of calcium phosphate biomaterials, I aim to develop solutions that are biocompatible and osteoconductive, meaning they can integrate seamlessly with the body’s natural tissues and facilitate bone growth. This research addresses critical challenges in clinical practice, such as the need for effective treatments for bone defects resulting from trauma, disease, or surgical procedures.
The translation of my research into healthcare solutions involves several key aspects:
- Improved surgical outcomes: the development of advanced bone graft materials can lead to more successful surgical interventions, reducing complications and improving recovery times for patients.
- Personalized treatment options: by understanding how different biomaterials interact with the body, we can tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of individual patients, enhancing the effectiveness of treatments.
- Innovative clinical practices: the insights gained from my research contribute to the development of new surgical techniques and protocols, promoting evidence-based practices that improve patient care.
- Collaboration with clinicians: By working closely with other healthcare professionals, I ensure that the research is grounded in clinical realities. This collaboration helps to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world applications, ensuring that the materials we develop can be effectively utilized in practice.
- Public health impact: Ultimately, by advancing bone regeneration techniques and materials, my research contributes to improved health outcomes for the public, reducing the burden of bone-related disorders and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
My research not only advances scientific knowledge but also translates directly into tangible healthcare solutions that address the critical needs of patients and the broader community.
What is the biggest challenge/opportunity in your field of research?
One of the biggest challenges in the field of biomaterials research, particularly regarding bone grafts for regeneration and repair, lies in achieving the ideal balance between biocompatibility, functionality, and scalability. While we have made significant advancements in understanding the properties of various biomaterials, translating these findings into clinical applications that reliably enhance patient outcomes remains complex.
Ensuring that biomaterials not only integrate well with the surrounding tissue but also promote natural bone healing is a significant hurdle. Biomaterials must mimic the mechanical and biological properties of bone while avoiding adverse immune responses. Bridging the gap between laboratory research and clinical application poses a challenge. Many promising materials may work well in controlled environments but fail to perform adequately in the complexities of human physiology. Navigating the regulatory landscape for biomaterials can be daunting. Developing materials that meet strict regulatory standards while also demonstrating efficacy in clinical settings requires substantial resources and time. Securing adequate funding for innovative research projects is a common challenge. Research in biomaterials often requires significant investment in technology and personnel, which can be difficult to obtain.
Despite these challenges, there are also tremendous opportunities in this field. Advancements in 3D printing and biofabrication techniques offer the potential to create customized biomaterials tailored to individual patient needs - this could revolutionize the way we approach bone grafting and regenerative therapies. Engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations with other scientists, clinicians, and engineers can lead to innovative solutions and new perspectives on existing challenges. By working together, we can accelerate the translation of research findings into practical applications.
There is also a growing recognition of the importance of biomaterials in clinical practice, which has spurred interest from both academic and industry sectors. This heightened focus can lead to increased funding opportunities and support for innovative research projects. The demand for effective bone regeneration solutions continues to rise due to an aging population and increasing rates of orthopedic procedures. This provides a unique opportunity for researchers to make a significant impact on public health by developing effective and reliable biomaterials.
Although challenges persist in the field of biomaterials research, the opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and impactful patient care are substantial. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can advance our understanding and development of effective solutions for bone regeneration and repair, ultimately benefiting both patients and the healthcare system.
Why is research and participation in research important?
The value of research is truly immeasurable, as it serves as the cornerstone for the advancement of knowledge and the continuous development of any field. Research is not about reaching a definitive conclusion, but rather about the ongoing pursuit of discovery and understanding. Each study, experiment, and analysis contributes to incremental yet significant progress, advancing the field step by step. Scientific exploration is a dynamic, evolving process where every finding, no matter how small, builds upon previous knowledge and lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs. In this way, research not only enriches our understanding but also drives innovation, shaping the future of our disciplines and ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
What does the ideal future in your field of research look like to you?
While nothing can be truly ideal, we can still strive to foster greater interest in research among students and clinicians. It is crucial to identify those with a natural curiosity and a passion for learning, and to provide them with the support and opportunities necessary to nurture that curiosity. By guiding them along a path that encourages continuous questioning and exploration, we can help cultivate future researchers who are always seeking the next challenge or discovery. Encouraging inquisitive minds to engage in research not only benefits their personal growth but also advances the field of science under discussion.
For more information about Dr. Sheikh's work:
- https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=YGdOcJ0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
- https://sites.google.com/view/sheikhlab
- https://www.dal.ca/faculty/dentistry/research/our-researcher-temp/zeehsan-sheikh.html
Research is care, and clinical studies help translate research into potentially life-changing therapies that can help you, your friends and your loved ones. Want to know more about how to get involved? Visit Nova Studies Connect today: novastudiesconnect.ca
