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Multi-Scale Modification of Metallic Implants With Pore Gradients, Polyelectrolytes and Their Indirect Monitoring In vivo
Published on: July 1, 2013
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Molecular Response to Nanopatterned Implants in the Human Jaw Bone
Dimitrios Karazisis1,2, Omar Omar3, Sarunas Petronis4
1Department of Biomaterials, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|December 1, 2021
Summary
Nanotopography on titanium implants significantly boosts bone-related gene expression in human jaw bone. This controlled surface modification enhances early osteogenic differentiation and osteoblastic activity, promoting better osseointegration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Osseointegration is crucial for dental and orthopedic implant success.
- Surface modifications, particularly nanopatterning, are explored to improve implant-bone integration.
- Understanding the cellular response to nanotopography in human bone is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular response of human bone cells to nanopatterned titanium implants.
- To compare gene expression profiles between machined and nanopatterned implant surfaces.
- To assess the impact of controlled nanotopography on osseointegration markers.
Main Methods:
- Placement of machined (M) and nanopatterned (MN) mini-implants in the human posterior maxilla.
- Retrieval of mini-implants after 6-8 weeks.
- Gene expression analysis of implant-adherent cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Main Results:
- Nanopatterned (MN) implants showed a 1.8- to 2-fold significant upregulation of bone-related genes (RUNX2, ALP, OC) compared to machined (M) implants.
- No significant differences were found in inflammatory and remodeling gene expression between the groups.
- Older patient age correlated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines on machined implants and decreased pro-osteogenic factors on nanopatterned implants.
Conclusions:
- Controlled hemispherical nanotopography (60 nm protrusions) on titanium implants promotes osteogenic gene expression in human jaw bone.
- Nanopatterning enhances early osteogenic differentiation and osteoblastic activity.
- Surface nanotopography plays a key role in the cellular response to dental implants.

