Fraunhofer Spin Off PerioTrap Advances Microbiome Friendly Solutions for Gum Health

© PerioTrap
Fraunhofer technology for a healthy oral microbiome: available as a conventional toothpaste or as a professional care gel applied after dental cleaning.

(IN BRIEF) Fraunhofer researchers have developed a targeted oral care technology that selectively inhibits periodontitis-causing bacteria while preserving the beneficial oral microbiome. The innovation, created at Fraunhofer IZI and commercialized by the spin-off PerioTrap, avoids the drawbacks of conventional antiseptic treatments by restoring microbial balance rather than eliminating all bacteria. Developed under strict GLP standards and supported by materials science and biochemical research, the technology has been translated into microbiome-friendly toothpaste and professional care products, with further applications in oral and veterinary care currently in development.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEIPZIG, 6-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Fraunhofer researchers have developed a targeted approach to preventing periodontitis that preserves the natural balance of the oral microbiome while selectively inhibiting harmful bacteria. The technology, originally developed at the Halle branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, has since been advanced and commercialized by the spin-off company PerioTrap into a new generation of microbiome-friendly oral care products.

© PerioTrap
Schematic illustration of the microbiome altered by P. gingivalis. The gums have receded and are inflamed.

Periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory disease of the gums that can lead not only to tooth loss but also to broader health complications if pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream. Conventional oral care products often rely on broad-spectrum antiseptics that eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria. As a result, the oral microbiome frequently returns to an imbalanced state after treatment, allowing pathogenic species such as Porphyromonas gingivalis to regain dominance and trigger recurrent disease.

Researchers at Fraunhofer IZI identified a novel active substance that takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of killing bacteria indiscriminately, the compound selectively inhibits the growth of pathogenic species responsible for periodontitis while leaving beneficial microorganisms untouched. By blocking the harmful bacteria’s ability to exert toxic effects, the substance allows healthy bacteria to reoccupy their ecological niches and restore a stable, balanced oral microbiome.

© PerioTrap
P. gingivalis (orange), the compound (blue) and a healthy microbiome at the transition between gum and tooth.

According to Stephan Schilling, Head of Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development at Fraunhofer IZI, the substance works in cooperation with beneficial bacteria rather than against them. This mechanism enables a gentler and more sustainable stabilization of oral health compared with conventional antiseptic treatments.

From research concept to market-ready product
The underlying technology emerged from an EU-funded research project involving multiple international partners. Building on this foundation, Periotrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH was founded in Halle in 2018 to translate the scientific findings into practical oral care solutions. Working closely with Fraunhofer IZI and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, the company developed a microbiome-friendly toothpaste designed to prevent periodontitis while also meeting everyday dental care requirements such as cavity prevention.

© Nilz Böhme
Subculturing of a P. gingivalis sample after cultivation for further testing of the active substance. In the laboratory, the bacteria are grown on nutrient medium (agar) in Petri dishes.

Transforming the laboratory discovery into a consumer-ready ingredient required extensive development work. The active substance had to meet strict criteria, including effectiveness against harmful bacteria, non-toxicity, lack of systemic absorption, and avoidance of tooth discoloration. Biochemical analyses and structural biology studies carried out at Fraunhofer IZI helped optimize the formulation, while Fraunhofer IMWS evaluated material compatibility and effects on teeth and gums using advanced microscopy and chemical characterization techniques.

All stages of development were conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, ensuring that testing and results meet internationally recognized quality requirements. This approach supported the creation of an oral care product that meets medical-grade standards rather than conventional cosmetic benchmarks.

Beyond toothpaste, the PerioTrap technology continues to evolve. A professional care gel designed for application after dental cleaning has been developed for use in dental practices, helping to suppress pathogenic bacteria and stabilize the oral microbiome over longer periods. Additional products, including mouthwashes and solutions for other oral care markets, are currently under development. The technology may also be adapted for veterinary use, as periodontitis in pets such as dogs and cats shares similar underlying mechanisms.

Media contact:

Jens Augustin
Head of PR and Communications

Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology
Perlickstraße 1
04103 Leipzig, Germany
Phone +49 341 35536-9320
jens.augustin@izi.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft