Saliva is more than spit. It helps with chewing and swallowing, protects teeth and gums, and even has antimicrobial and digestive properties. However, certain conditions or medical treatments, such as hemodialysis, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reduce natural saliva production. Now, researchers publishing in ACS Applied Polymer Materials have created a reusable hydrogel that releases artificial saliva over time, which could help provide sustained relief from dry mouth.

The three-year project is designed to improve monitoring contamination in Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater reservoir. The research focuses on how sunlight transforms common pollutants like pesticides and pharmaceuticals into potentially more toxic byproducts. Using innovative sampling and chemical analysis techniques, the team aims to track these changes in real-time, filling a critical gap in current monitoring methods. This work will enhance understanding of contaminant behavior, protecting both ecosystem and human health.