Conducting research in molecular medicine to improve dental practice: this is the goal of Luca Coccoluto, a recent graduate in Dentistry and Dental Implantology at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, and currently a PhD candidate in Molecular Medicine under the supervision of Roberto Rotundo, Professor of Periodontology in the Degree Programme in Dentistry and Dental Implantology at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of our University.
Dr. Luca Coccoluto
«Before starting my PhD, I took my first steps in research while working on my degree thesis in the Neuroimmunology Laboratory led by Professor Gianvito Martino, Vice-Rector for Research and Third Mission at UniSR and Scientific Director of IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, under the direct supervision of Professor Paola Panina. Thanks to this experience, I was able to see first-hand how research can inform clinical practice, and vice versa», Luca explains.
For his degree thesis, Luca studied in the laboratory how osteoblasts—bone-forming cells—behave when in contact with different types of biomaterials used in periodontology, the branch of dentistry that deals with the supporting tissues of the teeth, and in oral surgery.
The aim of the thesis project was to assess the biocompatibility of bone graft materials: «We wanted to understand whether these biomaterials, commonly used in dental practice, merely act as a scaffold for cells, or whether they may also play a biologically active role, for example by influencing the differentiation of new bone cells» he explains.
The results showed that these biomaterials are highly biocompatible and capable of supporting osteogenesis in bone defects.
3D osteoblasts: scaffolds studied in Dr Coccoluto’s thesis with cells adhering (in green) to their surface, observed by fluorescence stereomicroscopy. Courtesy of Dr Coccoluto
During his days in the laboratory—between taking care of cell cultures, updating lab notebooks, and continuously discussing with colleagues—Luca developed a strong passion for scientific research and decided to pursue this path further.
«I realised that doing research would allow me to answer questions arising from clinical practice, and conversely, that clinical practice could offer answers to questions emerging from research. I also understood that I could find this synergy between research and clinical activity by continuing with a PhD programme right here at UniSR. Here, the training of young scientists is enhanced by the close collaboration with San Raffaele Hospital and by our involvement in clinical and research projects already during our degree programmes», Luca says.
On 1 November 2025, Luca began his PhD at UniSR with a curriculum in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, introduced this year and, for the first time, applied to dentistry by Professor Roberto Rotundo. Luca is in fact the first student of the School to be involved in a research project in dentistry.
The project aims to study the long-term effects of chlorhexidine—an antiseptic—on gingival cells in periodontal therapy. Periodontal therapy includes the set of procedures used to treat periodontal diseases, inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues that support the teeth, such as the gums. «In advanced stages, due to chronic inflammation, gingival tissues progressively deteriorate and recede. Ultimately, this condition can even lead to tooth loss», Luca explains.
Although chlorhexidine is widely used in periodontology, some studies in the literature raise concerns about its complete tissue biocompatibility, and the scientific community is still divided on this issue.
Smiley Lab UniSR. Photo credit: Marco Scarpa
«One of the advantages of chlorhexidine is its so-called substantivity, that is, its ability to bind for a long time to oral tissues, such as gingival tissues, and to be released over time at effective concentrations to exert its antiseptic action. This characteristic is one of the reasons why chlorhexidine is so widely used in dentistry. However, in recent years, some studies have suggested the presence of certain side effects. The antiseptic could, in fact, slow down gingival wound healing, leading to a paradoxical effect», Luca explains.
In the initial phases of his PhD project, Luca and his colleagues therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature to gather information on the use of chlorhexidine and to plan subsequent experiments. These include in vitro experiments to test the effects of chlorhexidine on cultures of human gingival fibroblasts and to assess how these cells respond in terms of viability and function.
«With my PhD project, we aim to investigate the long-term effects of chlorhexidine on cells, and to understand whether, how, and under which circumstances this antiseptic is indicated in periodontal therapy. By conducting research on the biochemistry and clinical effects of chlorhexidine, we hope to provide guidance to better inform its use in dental practice», Luca explains.
Human gingival fibroblasts observed on a two-dimensional substrate. Courtesy of Dr Coccoluto
For Luca, the PhD represents the beginning of a path through which he aims to grow and establish himself as a researcher: «In three years’ time, at the end of the programme, I hope to be able to independently manage more than one research project in parallel. I am still at the beginning, but my ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of a more modern, biologically grounded, and innovative periodontology», he adds.
«Luca’s example shows our Dentistry students the possibility of pursuing a post-graduate training path specifically dedicated to research, alongside the professional specialisations already active within our Unit. These projects are also made possible thanks to collaborations with companies in the dental sector, as in this specific case with Curasept S.p.A., whom I thank for their support. UniSR thus confirms itself as a virtuous meeting point between scientific interest and private companies engaged in developing their products and know-how.
Last but not least, I would also like to thank Professor Enrico Gherlone, Rector of the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Director of the Degree Programme in Dentistry, for his constant support of our research activities», concludes Professor Roberto Rotundo.