Screening the optimal hierarchical micro/nano pattern design for the neck and body surface of titanium implants

In this study, microgroove patterns and nanotubes with various parameter settings were hierarchically prepared on the titanium (Ti) surface, aiming to study the optimal hierarchical micro/nano pattern design for the neck and body surface of Ti dental implants. The adhesion and proliferation of MG63 osteoblasts, L929 fibroblasts, SCC epithelial cells and P. gingivalis on these Ti substrates were investigated to evaluate their performance in osseointegration, gingival epithelial sealing and antibacterial ability. Using a novel scoring method based on the cell or bacteria viability results, we found that 10 μm width and 2 μm depth groove pattern decorating with 55 nm diameter nanotubes was the best choice for the design of implant neck surface. Moreover, 20 μm width and 3.6 μm depth groove pattern decorating with 55 nm nanotubes was suitable for the implant body design. Our study systematically evaluated and screened the effects of different hierarchical micro/nano patterns on the growth of implant-healing related cells and bacteria. It preliminarily proved that it is feasible to reduce the incidence of peri-implantitis through the optimal hierarchical design of implants, which has great value in implant surface design and promoting the application of dental implants in clinical.