In Vitro Evaluation of Periodontal Fibroblast Response to Bioinspired Porous Channel-Embedded Zirconia Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Osseointegrated implants face challenges like bone loss and peri-implantitis.
• Bioinspired designs mimicking the periodontal ligament show promise for fibrointegration.
• Customized implant surfaces are crucial for patient-specific needs and complication reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate bioinspired zirconia surfaces for promoting human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPLF) adhesion and orientation.
• To investigate the potential of microchanneled and porous zirconia coatings to guide hPLF behavior.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cell-guiding capabilities of these novel implant surface designs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of zirconia specimens with internal microchannels and external porous coatings using CAD/CAM CNC milling and dip coating.
• Microstructural characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• In vitro culture of hPLFs on surfaces under varying serum concentrations and assessment using electrical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Zirconia specimens with microchannels and porous coatings were successfully fabricated.
• Fibroblasts demonstrated enhanced adhesion and spindle-like extensions within the porous layer, migrating towards channels.
• Highest impedance, indicating enhanced cell attachment, migration, and spreading, was observed on channel-porous specimens after 3 days.

Conclusions:

• Channel-porous zirconia surfaces effectively enhance hPLF adhesion, spreading, and organization in vitro.
• This bioinspired design serves as a proof of concept for improving soft tissue integration at the implant interface.
• The findings support the development of future fibrointegrative implant concepts, such as root-analogue dental implants.