Unveiling the governing role of ‘remodeling triangle area’ in soft-hard tissue interface equilibrium for metal implants advancement

Abstract

Metal implants holds significant promise for diverse fixed prostheses. However, their long-term reliability and broader application are hindered by challenges related to the disequilibrium at the soft-hard tissue interface. By using anti-inflammatory (PDA/IL4) and pro-inflammatory (PDA/LPS/IFNγ) coatings to modulate distinct immune characteristics, we discovered a dynamic bioactive structure at the soft-hard tissue interface around metal implant, which we have named the 'Remodeling Triangle Area' (RTA). We further demonstrate that the RTA can be influenced by the PDA/IL4 coating to favor a phenotype that enhances both innate and adaptive immunity. This leads to stronger epithelial adhesion, the formation of dense connective tissue via IGF1 secretion, and a more balanced soft-hard tissue interface through the OPG/RANKL axis. Conversely, the PDA/LPS/IFNγ coating shifts the RTA towards a phenotype that activates the innate immune response. This results in a less cohesive tissue structure and bone resorption, characterized by reduced IGF1 secretion and an imbalanced OPG/RANKL axis. Over all, our study introduces the novel concept termed the 'Remodeling Triangle Area' (RTA), an immune-rich anatomical region located at the nexus of the implant interface, epithelial, connective, and bone tissue, which becomes highly interactive post-implantation to modulate the soft-hard tissue interface equilibrium. We believe that an RTA-centric, immunomodulatory approach has the potential to revolutionize the design of next-generation metal implants, providing unparalleled soft-hard tissue interface equilibrium properties.