Enhancing Titanium Implant Surfaces With Biomimetic Scaffolds

Objectives: Osseointegration is imperative for the success of dental implants, especially in challenging clinical scenarios with compromised bone quality. The objective herein is to develop a novel coating combining self-assembling peptide (SAP) P_11-4(QQRFEWEFEQQ) with hydroxyapatite (HA) to improve osseointegration.
Methods: The following groups of implant surfaces were developed: Ti(alone acid etched), Ti-HA, Ti-P_11-4, and Ti-P_11-4/HA. All the groups were characterised chemically by (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray Diffraction(XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)) and physically by (Profilometry and Water contact angel measurement(WCA)). Periodontal ligament stromal cells(PDLSCs) viability was evaluated with the 4 different groups at 24hr,3days, and 7days (live/dead staining and CLSM), cell death rate was also determined (LDH).
Results: The crystalline phases of electrodeposited HA were confirmed by XRD and EDX in both Ti-HA and Ti-P_11-4/HA coatings. Peaks at ~1625cm^-1 and ~1682cm^-1 determined by FTIR indicating the existence of β-sheets in all P_11-4 coated samples. Ti-HA showed typical needle-like structures; the Ti-P_11-4/HA indicated shorter crystals with flatter edges, while Ti-P_11-4 displayed a characteristic uniform lamination in FESEM images. The highest surface roughness was detected in Ti-HA group (8.729 µm) while Ti-P_11-4/HA showed 19% lower roughness. All coatings supported PDLSCs viability and attachment, as cells assumed a spindle like morphology. Ti-P_11-4 showed the highest percentage (84.24%) of viability, whereas Ti-HA showed a reduced cell viability (32.70%) after 7 days. Ti-HA indicated the highest cell death rate after a period of 7 days.
Conclusions: Ti was successfully coated with P_11-4 and P_11-4/HA coatings. All 3 coatings and control were fully characterised chemically and physically. All coatings supported cell viability, but to a lesser degree in HA-containing coatings. The study warrants further investigation into the ability of these biomimetic coatings to enhance bone regeneration in challenging clinical scenarios.