The difference of fibroblast behavior on titanium substrata with different surface characteristics

Abstract

Connective tissue, one of the main components of peri-implant soft tissue, is key to the formation of the peri-implant mucosal seal and helping to prevent epithelial ingrowth. Rough surfaces (Rs), machined surfaces (Ms) or microgrooved surface (MG) are used in the neck area of commercially available titanium implants. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the influence of surface topography of titanium substratum on connective tissue fibroblasts to gain a better understanding of this effect. Fibroblasts were cultured on titanium plates with Rs, Ms and MG. Adhesion cell number at day 3 was compared and protein distribution of both F-actin and vinculin was determined to observe cellular structure and adhesion. Cell adhesion strength was compared on each surface. At day 3, the number of fibroblasts attached on each substratum was in the order of MG ≈ Ms > Rs. Fibroblasts strongly expressed vinculin in the peripheral area on Ms and MG, and showed strong F-actin architecture. Decreased expression of vinculin and weaker continuity of F-actin were observed on Rs. Fibroblasts on MG were aligned along the grooves, with a significantly higher cell density, whereas cells on Ms and Rs had no clear orientation. The cell adhesion strength was significantly lower on Rs, and no significant difference was seen between MG and Ms. Both MG and Ms showed greater adhesion cell numbers and adhesion strength of fibroblasts when compared with Rs at day 3. The cell density on MG was greater than those on other substrata.

Proliferation and adhesion capability of human gingival fibroblasts onto zirconia, lithium disilicate and feldspathic veneering ceramic in vitro

“…In vivo, connective tissue plays a key role in the formation of the mucosal seal around prosthetic restoration. A good mucosal sealing, which is strictly dependent on the fibroblast attachment to the substratum surface 21) , allows a successful integration, among the other factors.…”

Effect of Titanium Surface Calcium and Magnesium on Adhesive Activity of Epithelial-Like Cells and Fibroblasts

“…With this treatment, a divalent cation-rich surface to the outermost portion of titanium substrata is easily generated, with minimal surface topographical alteration [18]. Because a rougher surface impairs the adhesion of both epithelial cells and fibroblasts of oral origin [12], this treatment may be advantageous in improving oral soft tissue cell adhesion to titanium implants.…”

“…Despite some reports regarding the relationship between surface-modified substrata and epithelial cell or fibroblast adhesion, most describe topographical surface modification procedures and conclude that roughened substrata generate inferior soft tissue cell attachment [11][12][13]. Regarding chemical modification of titanium for the improvement of epithelial cell or fibroblast adhesion, coating of a microstructured titanium surface with a laminin-derived peptide was reported to be effective for epithelial cell attachment [3].…”

“…We hypothesized that this technique may promote the adhesion of epithelial cells or fibroblasts to titanium. It could also be performed with minimal change of surface topography, which may be an advantage given that a roughened surface has a negative effect on soft tissue cell adhesion [12] and is highly suited to dental plaque accumulation if the surface is exposed in the oral cavity. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal modification of titanium with calcium or magnesium ions on the attachment of oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts.…”

Biomaterials

“…Those cells attach directly to the implant surface, if convenient roughness values can be yielded with treatment. Connective tissue cells (fibroblast) tend to attach less roughened surfaces, when compared with bone cells (osteoblasts) [118]. Wavelengths proven to be innocuous to the titanium surface like erbium: yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser-2940 nm, recently, have been documented as a laser type that may modify the titanium surface at certain power settings as low as 200 mJ/10Hz [119].…”