NIOM's commitment to state-of-the-art analytical tools, coupled with this latest investment, further strengthens its position as a leading center of expertise in dental health and biomaterials research across the Nordic region.
"The instrument offers exceptional accuracy, allowing us to identify organic molecules down to their atomic composition," explains Senior Scientist Silvio Uhlig.
This advancement empowers NIOM to conduct both targeted and non-targeted analyses, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the substances released from dental materials.
What is a spectral library?
A spectral library is a curated database of chemical compounds that may be released from dental materials, including monomers, initiators, stabilizers, and degradation products. When analyzing material samples, researchers can quickly and accurately determine the substances present.
"Resin-based dental materials always leach small amounts of chemical compounds. Our goal is to systematically map these substances to enhance patient safety," says Head of Laboratory Hilde M. Kopperud.
This mapping provides deeper insights into how different compounds behave over time and their potential effects on patients.
A unique and specialized database
The NIOM spectral library is specifically designed for dental materials, setting it apart from generic, commercially available alternatives. The database will be continuously expanded, with the first version expected to include 70–100 substances.
By developing this in-house resource, NIOM can offer more precise and comprehensive analyses to both manufacturers and research institutions, ultimately contributing to the safer use of dental materials.

Photo: NIOM
High-accuracy analytical capabilities
The newly acquired spectrometer integrates liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), a technology that allows screening of known substances while also detecting potentially unknown compounds.
"It essentially provides a ‘chemical fingerprint’ of the substances leaching from dental materials, which is crucial for manufacturers needing to document the biocompatibility of their products," says Uhlig.
HRMS also enables researchers to study how dental materials interact with different environmental factors such as moisture and temperature fluctuations, further expanding our understanding of material performance.
Practical applications
NIOM’s spectral library will serve as a valuable resource for both research institutions and the dental industry. Manufacturers can test their materials for compliance and safety, while researchers can utilize the data for studies on material properties, toxicology, and potential adverse effects.
"The need for such analyses has existed for a long time, but now we have the tools to systematically investigate in detail what leaches out of dental materials," says Kopperud.
Furthermore, this methodology can aid in the development of improved dental materials with reduced risk for adverse effects.

Photo: NIOM
Impact on the dental industry
By identifying the chemical compounds that leach from dental materials, NIOM’s research provides manufacturers with critical insights to refine and enhance material formulations.
"We aim to collaborate closely with manufacturers to develop safer, more biocompatible materials that meet both safety and performance standards," says senior engineer Lene Grutle.
This new technology will contribute to advancing knowledge, improving patient safety, and supporting regulatory authorities to assess the safety of new dental products before they enter the market.