Abstract
The host-material interface is a crucial relationship dictating the possibility of successful osseointegration in implant dentistry. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of plasma proteins pre-adsorption on the adhesion capacity of osteoblasts, which occurs immediately after implant insertion in vivo. After having pre-adsorbed human plasma proteins on a machined and microrough titanium surface, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts adhesion was evaluated through crystal violet cell adhesion assay, immunofluorescence staining for cytoskeleton, focal adhesions and cell nuclei, and scanning electron microscopy. The pre-adsorbed protein layer markedly affected the adhesion rate of cells, as well as their morphology and the expression of focal contacts. Moreover, protein adsorption to the underlying titanium surface was found to be correlated to surface pre-wetting. Thus, the early adsorption of serum proteins to the interface of dental implants impacts cell adhesion in terms of strength and of focal adhesions expression.
Highlights
Osseointegration refers to new osteogenesis at the implant surface, which occurs after implant positioning and in the long-term, allows the direct and intimate relationship between living bone and implant material without the interposition of fibrous tissue [1]
Serum Proteins Firmly Bind to Titanium Surfaces
After extensive washing in PBS, only a minimal amount of proteins was detected to be released in the supernatants for both groups, 1.63 ± 0.21 μg and 1.62 ± 0.15 μg for machined and microrough topography, respectively. These data indicate a remarkable affinity of titanium for serum proteins
Summary
Osseointegration refers to new osteogenesis at the implant surface, which occurs after implant positioning and in the long-term, allows the direct and intimate relationship between living bone and implant material without the interposition of fibrous tissue [1]. Numerous factors may positively or negatively influence osseointegration. The underlying molecular mechanisms of osseointegration are still largely unexplored. A scarcely studied aspect of osseointegration involves the adsorption of plasma proteins on the implant surface, which occurs shortly after insertion as a consequence of the implant soaking with a patient’s blood [5]. As plasma contains a vast array of proteins with different structures and functions, such as inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix components, protein adsorption provides a plethora of molecular cues to the colonizing cells. It is reasonable to consider protein surface conditioning as of pivotal importance for osseointegration [6]
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