About

Konstantinos Michalakis is a Professor of Restorative Sciences and Biomaterials, and serves as the Chair of the Department of Restorative Sciences and Biomaterials at Boston University. He is also an affiliated member of the Center for Multiscale and Translational Mechanobiology (CMTM). His educational background includes a PhD from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, MSc degrees in Experimental and Translational Therapeutics from the University of Oxford and Applied Biomechanics from the University of Strathclyde, as well as a DDS and a CAGS in Prosthodontics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, respectively. His research focuses on restorative sciences and biomaterials, contributing to the advancement of dental medicine through his academic and clinical work.

Research topics

• Computer Science
• Internal medicine
• Orthodontics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Composite material
• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Surgery
• Materials science
• Biochemistry
• Cancer research
• Cell biology

Selected publications

• Impact of educational level on tooth loss and edentulism: a systematic review

  BDJ · 2026-02-06

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Structure–Function Interplay in Piezoelectric PCL/BaTiO3 Scaffolds Fabricated by Phase Separation: Correlation of Morphology, Mechanics, and Cytocompatibility

  International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2025-12-30 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Bone regeneration relies on the coordinated interplay between mechanical and biological cues. Piezoelectric composites, capable of converting mechanical strain into electrical signals, offer a promising approach to stimulate osteogenesis. This study aimed to develop and characterize polycaprolactone (PCL) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) composite scaffolds fabricated through thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and to systematically evaluate the effects of polymer concentration and ceramic incorporation on scaffold morphology, porosity, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated. The resulting scaffolds exhibited a highly porous, interconnected architecture, with 9% PCL formulation showing the most uniform morphology and consistent mechanical and biological behavior. Incorporation of BaTiO3 did not alter pore structure or compromise cytocompatibility but slightly enhanced stiffness and surface uniformity. SEM-based image analysis confirmed homogeneous BaTiO3 dispersion across all formulations. MTT assays and confocal microscopy demonstrated robust pre-osteoblast adhesion and spreading, particularly on denser composite scaffolds, confirming that the inclusion of BaTiO3 supports a favorable environment for cell proliferation. Overall, optimizing polymer concentration and ceramic dispersion enables fabrication of structurally coherent, cytocompatible scaffolds. The findings establish structure–property–biology relationships that serve as a baseline for future investigations into the electromechanical behavior of PCL/BaTiO3 scaffolds and their potential to promote osteogenic differentiation under physiological loading.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Photobiomodulation in ocular therapy: current status and future perspectives

  International Journal of Ophthalmology · 2025-01-16 · 6 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Photobiomodulation has been known to have potential medicinal effects for ages. It involves the use of specific wavelengths to target specific regions in the cell. Different health conditions have been reported to be treated with exposure to light such as cardiovascular conditions, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and most importantly ocular diseases. This review specifically targets the treatment of retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, myopia and acute retinal light injury with photobiomodulation. Red light is used in this therapy since this wavelength has lower frequency and hence minimal chance of causing any damage. Red light has the potential to penetrate cellular structures such as mitochondria and facilitate cellular processes. For ocular diseases, the target wavelength ranges between 630 to 800 nm. In most of the cases the primary target for red light is the cytochrome C oxidase enzyme in mitochondria, which alters the gene expression and promotes cellular energy production. Clinical evidence shows improvement of visual activity and reduction in thickness of retina post treatment. Future prospects of photobiomodulation involve target-specific treatment, combinational therapy to treat complex retinal diseases including gene therapy, and longitudinal studies to predict long-term efficacy and the chance of any recurrence in the patients. Hence the future of photobiomodulation holds significant potential in medicine especially in ocular diseases characterized by progress in research, technology, and clinical trials.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Classifying the Natural Tooth Color Spaces of Different Ethnic Groups

  Color Research & Application · 2025-04-12

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  ABSTRACT This study aimed to classify the natural tooth color spaces of various ethnic groups and assess the coverage error (CE) of the Vita 3D‐Master shade guide. A sample of 490 volunteers from five ethnic backgrounds participated, with inclusion criteria set for adults aged 20– to 45 with healthy, correctly aligned natural teeth free of restorations. Teeth showing caries, restorations, or substantial staining were excluded. Tooth color was measured through a standardized photographic method, employing a gray reference card and cross‐polarized filters. Color differences were computed using the CIEDE2000 formula, and CE was determined. Examiner reliability was verified, and data were analyzed in R software, with significance set at p < 0.05. The results indicated significant disparities in tooth color parameters among ethnic groups. Lightness levels varied significantly, with African teeth presenting the highest values and Caucasians the lowest. While redness and yellowness values overlapped among some groups, African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian teeth showed higher redness, whereas East Asian and South Asian teeth were more yellowish. The mean CE of the Vita 3D‐Master shade guide was 5.1 ∆ E 00 across all ethnicities, exceeding the acceptable threshold (AT ≤ 1.8). The Southeastern group had the lowest CE at 2.8 ∆ E 00 , while the African group had the highest at 6.3 ∆ E 00 . These findings reveal that the color gamut of natural teeth extends beyond the coverage of existing shade guides, with notable variations across ethnicities. This underscores the necessity for enhanced shade guides to achieve reliable color matching in clinical settings.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• An Insight into Cancer Cells and Disease Progression Through the Lens of Mathematical Modeling

  Current Issues in Molecular Biology · 2025-06-20

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  During cancer initiation, normal cells acquire mutations disrupting standard cellular processes, activating oncogenes and inactivating tumor suppressor genes, acquiring the well-described hallmarks of cancer on the path to malignancy. This process is influenced by a combination of physiological and metabolic pathways, as well as environmental cues, and leads to abnormal cell cycle, increased cell motility, and invasive characteristics. Cancer cell organelles also present some distinct differences from those of normal cells. Cancer progression requires certain tumorigenic biochemical pathways to be activated. However, mechanical cues are also important, as they have an effect on cell differentiation and fate. A continuous biochemical-biomechanical interaction exists, which affects the mechanical properties of the cells, as well as their behavior. This review aims to focus on the mathematical relationships governing cancer mechanobiology and examine how the altered mechanical properties of a cancer cell may affect malignant progression.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Role of interproximal contacts in implant-supported crown stability: A finite element analysis study

  Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry · 2025-04-22 · 1 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Clinical translation of polycaprolactone-based tissue engineering scaffolds, fabricated via additive manufacturing: A review of their craniofacial applications

  Biomaterials Advances · 2024-05-20 · 24 citations

  review
  PublisherDOI

• Viability and Proliferation Assessment of Gingival Fibroblasts Cultured on Silver Nanoparticle-Doped Ti-6Al-4V Surfaces

  The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants · 2024-03-08 · 3 citations

  articleSenior author

  PURPOSE: To investigate the biocompatibility of silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-doped Ti-6Al-4V surfaces by evaluating the viability and proliferation rate of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs)-as the dominant cells of peri-implant soft tissues-seeded on the modified surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AgNPs (sizes 8 nm and 30 nm) were incorporated onto Ti-6Al-4V specimen surfaces via electrochemical deposition, using colloid silver dispersions with increasing AgNP concentrations of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm. One control and six experimental groups were included in the study: (1) control (Ti-6Al-4V), (2) 8 nm/100 ppm, (3) 8 nm/200 ppm, (4) 8 nm/300 ppm, (5) 30 nm/100 ppm, (6) 30 nm/200 ppm, and (7) 30 nm/300 ppm. HGF cell primary cultures were isolated from periodontally healthy donor patients and cultured in direct contact with the group specimens for 24 and 72 hours. The cytotoxicity of AgNP-doped Ti-6Al-4V specimens toward HGF was assessed by the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine) assay tests. Calcein AM and ethidium homodimer (EthD-1) fluorescent stains were used to determine the live and dead cells. The morphology and attachment properties of the HGFs were determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of AgNPs on the specimens. The MTT test revealed that AgNPs of both sizes and all concentrations presented a decreased cellular metabolic activity compared to the control discs. All concentrations of both sizes of AgNPs affected the cell proliferation rate compared to the control group, as revealed by the BrdU assay. Overall, cytotoxicity of the modified Ti-6Al-4V surfaces depended on cell exposure time. Observation via confocal microscopy confirmed the results of the MTT and BrdU assay tests. Specifically, most cells remained alive throughout the 72-hour culture period. SEM images revealed that adjacent cells form bonds with each other, creating confluent layers of conjugated cells. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that Ti-6Al-4V surfaces modified with 8 nm and 30 nm AgNPs at concentrations of 100 ppm, 200 ppm, and 300 ppm do not produce any serious cytotoxicity toward HGFs. The initial arrest of the HGF proliferation rate recovered at 72 hours. These results on the antibacterial activity against common periodontal pathogens, in combination with the results found in a previous study by the same research group, suggest that AgNP-doped Ti-6Al-4V surfaces are potential candidates for use in implant abutments for preventing peri-implant diseases.

  PublisherDOI

• Biological Activities of Citrus-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Human Cells: The Role of Preservation

  Current Issues in Molecular Biology · 2024-06-11 · 7 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as important mediators for cell-to-cell communication. Citrus-based EVs in particular offer an excellent platform for nutraceutical delivery systems, as their endemic cargo includes micronutrients (e.g., ascorbic acid), which contribute to their antioxidant capacity. Despite being extensively investigated as to their therapeutic and diagnostic potential, their cargo is inherently unstable and thus directly affected by their storage and preservation. In this study, EVs were isolated from citrus fruit using tangential flow filtration and evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity and effects on human cells. To assess how their isolation and preservation methods affect these properties, the EVs were tested immediately after isolation (from fresh and freeze-thawed juices) or following freeze-drying. A measurable biological effect of cryoprotection on citrus-derived EVs was evident, whether during or after isolation. This was more pronounced in the cell-based assays, ranging from -4% to +32% in human skin fibroblast proliferation. Nevertheless, the effects on human cancer cells varied depending on the cell line. Although these results should be considered preliminary observations, subject to further investigation, it is safe to state that any type of preservation is expected to impact the EVs' biological activity.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• To Preserve or Extract? A Scoping Review and a Prognostic Decision Tool using Multispecialty Indicators

  The International Journal of Prosthodontics · 2024-06-01

  reviewSenior author

  Because implant-supported restorations have become very popular, there is a tendency to extract teeth and replace them with implants. However, the first goal of dentistry should always be the preservation of natural teeth, given the prerequisite that these can be maintained with the application of appropriate treatment modalities. Therefore, individual tooth risk assessment and prognosis are very important for the treatment planning process. Four important factors influencing the dentist's decision on whether to save or extract a compromised tooth have been identified, and an extensive search of the related English language literature has been performed. Additionally, a hand search in related journals was implemented, and classic textbooks were consulted. Identified articles on patient-related, periodontal, endodontic, and restorative factors were thoroughly analyzed, focusing on diagnosis and tooth prognosis. A total of 52 references were carefully selected and reviewed. Available information was used to develop a color-coded prognostic decision chart with four different factors and up to 14 crucial parameters. All factors and parameters were analyzed in an effort to help the restorative dentist make a prognostic decision. The proposed color-coded prognostic decision chart can be helpful when a treatment plan is made and predictable restorative care is planned. This comprehensive prognostic decision chart can aid dentists in providing clinical care of high quality and in establishing a consensus on available restorative options. It can additionally help to establish appropriate communication with patients and third-party individuals in the restorative care process, effectively manage risk factors, and provide a framework for quality assessment in restorative treatment.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Hiroshi Hirayama

  Boston University

  62 shared

• Argiris Pissiotis

  Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

  29 shared

• Rosalia‐Maria Valeri

  Theageneio General Hospital

  25 shared

• Dimitrios Chatzichristou

  Laiko General Hospital of Athens

  25 shared

• Alexandros Panagiotou

  Laiko General Hospital of Athens

  25 shared

• Thomas Saraboukas

  Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

  25 shared

• Athanasios Papanikolaou

  University of Bern

  25 shared

• Kiho Kang

  Fujita Health University

  21 shared

Education

• Ph.D.

  Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

  2001

• M.S., Applied Biomechanics

  University of Strathclyde

  2008

• M.S., Experimental and Translational Therapeutics

  University of Oxford

  2021

• Other, Prosthodontics

  Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

  1993

• Other

  Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

  1989