Full-laser-enabled clean hierarchical structuring and multifunctional synergy for high-performance in vivo 3D-printed...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Implantology

Background:

• Dental implant success is hindered by bacterial infections and poor osseointegration.
• Current surface modifications often address these issues independently, lacking synergistic effects.
• A need exists for integrated strategies to enhance both antibacterial properties and bone integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, fully laser-enabled strategy for creating advanced 3D-printed titanium dental implants.
• To integrate hierarchical surface topography and controlled silver nanoparticle deposition for synergistic bioactivity.
• To investigate the impact of this integrated approach on bacterial inhibition and osseointegration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized laser polishing and femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on 3D-printed titanium.
• Spatially guided silver nanoparticle (AgNP) deposition onto the laser-patterned surfaces.
• Conducted in vitro studies on bacterial biofilm formation, cell proliferation, and ion release kinetics.
• Performed in vivo animal studies (Beagle dogs) to evaluate peri-implant inflammation and osseointegration.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 74.4% reduction in *Porphyromonas gingivalis* biofilm formation.
• Extended effective silver ion release duration by 300% for sustained antibacterial action.
• Increased gingival fibroblast proliferation by 37.6%.
• Demonstrated a 38.7% increase in bone-implant contact ratio in vivo, reducing inflammation.

Conclusions:

• The integrated laser-based strategy offers a scalable method for producing next-generation bioactive dental implants.
• Hierarchical surface structures and controlled AgNP release synergistically enhance antibacterial efficacy and osseointegration.
• This approach enables patient-specific customization of biomechanics and bioactivity for improved dental implant outcomes.