IADR Abstract Archives
Deciphering Soft-Tissue Integration and Surface Engineering Interactions in Dental Implants
Objectives: Peri-implantitis develops as a result of biofilm accumulation around dental implant abutments, which induces the formation of periodontal pockets followed by inflammation, infection and may ultimately lead to implant failure. Enhancing soft-tissue integration around the abutment is imperative to establish a robust mechanical seal, thereby preventing microbial infiltration and ensuring the long-term success of the implant.
Methods: Femtosecond laser processing represents a state-of-the-art technique recently utilized for the fabrication of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), which are nanoscale surface textures shown to facilitate soft-tissue growth. However, the precise relationship between surface characteristics and the corresponding biological response remains insufficiently elucidated. As protein adsorption constitutes the primary biological reaction upon implantation, this study seeks to investigate the correlation between the in situ kinetics of protein adsorption and the surface properties of LIPSS-textured titanium (LIPSS-Ti), in addition to detailed surface characterization followed by in vitro experiments up to 7 days using primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).
Results: SEM imaging confirmed the formation of LIPSS and AFM complimented by focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sectional analysis quantified their depth, which was comparable to cellular filopodia. XPS analysis revealed increased metallic oxides and reduced bulk metal signals. The oxide layer formation was validated by significant changes in surface zeta potential, distinguishing LIPSS-Ti from polished titanium. Advancing and receding water contact angle hysteresis indicated higher adhesion forces for LIPSS-Ti. Protein adsorption studies combined with streaming current analysis confirmed effective protein adhesion on LIPSS-Ti. This was further supported by the strong affinity of HGF for LIPSS-Ti, demonstrated by XTT assay results showing viability over 80% and HGF growth and proliferation observed via live/dead imaging and SEM after seven days.
Conclusions: By incorporating extensive surface topography and surface chemistry characterization techniques, this study provides deeper insight into the complex relationship between these properties and the biological functionality of LIPSS-Ti.
Methods: Femtosecond laser processing represents a state-of-the-art technique recently utilized for the fabrication of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), which are nanoscale surface textures shown to facilitate soft-tissue growth. However, the precise relationship between surface characteristics and the corresponding biological response remains insufficiently elucidated. As protein adsorption constitutes the primary biological reaction upon implantation, this study seeks to investigate the correlation between the in situ kinetics of protein adsorption and the surface properties of LIPSS-textured titanium (LIPSS-Ti), in addition to detailed surface characterization followed by in vitro experiments up to 7 days using primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).
Results: SEM imaging confirmed the formation of LIPSS and AFM complimented by focused ion beam (FIB) cross-sectional analysis quantified their depth, which was comparable to cellular filopodia. XPS analysis revealed increased metallic oxides and reduced bulk metal signals. The oxide layer formation was validated by significant changes in surface zeta potential, distinguishing LIPSS-Ti from polished titanium. Advancing and receding water contact angle hysteresis indicated higher adhesion forces for LIPSS-Ti. Protein adsorption studies combined with streaming current analysis confirmed effective protein adhesion on LIPSS-Ti. This was further supported by the strong affinity of HGF for LIPSS-Ti, demonstrated by XTT assay results showing viability over 80% and HGF growth and proliferation observed via live/dead imaging and SEM after seven days.
Conclusions: By incorporating extensive surface topography and surface chemistry characterization techniques, this study provides deeper insight into the complex relationship between these properties and the biological functionality of LIPSS-Ti.