3D printed titanium anodized effects on human gingival fibroblasts response and bacterial colonization: A dual...

Mucointegration is as important as osseointegration to ensure the survival of implant-supported prosthesis. Indeed, effective soft tissue integration (STI) prevents the appearance of complication through bacterial dissemination. To optimize STI, electrochemical anodization can be used to nanostructure the trans-gingival part of the prosthetic component. Moreover, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a new 3D-manufacturing technique that enables the production of customized implant-supported prosthesis with complex geometry.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a SLM manufactured and anodized Ti6Al4V surface on the behaviour of both, human gingival fibroblasts and oral bacteria.

SLM-Ti6Al4V discs were polished and anodized with defined parameters to obtain nanotubes (NTs) with specific morphology. Surface characterization was assessed through surface topography and wettability. Human gingival Fibroblasts were cultured, and cell morphology was observed by SEM at day 7. Proliferation, viability (day 1,4,7) and adhesion (6 h and 36 h) were analyzed. Then immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR were used to detect the distribution and the gene expression of vinculin at 48 h. An early colonizer (Streptococcus gordonii) was used for a parallel evaluation of bacteriological adhesion.

SLM-ANO-Ti6Al4V showed similar performances in terms of cytotoxicity, compared with a machined and polished titanium surface currently used in clinics. Interestingly, cell adhesion was enhanced on anodized SLM surfaces, with a difference in the distribution of focal adhesion plaques in HGFs, while biofilm formation of S. gordonii was not affected by anodization.

SLM anodized surface showed promising ability to promote STI while controlling bacterial adhesion.