Potential Of Implants Research Articles

Patient-reported outcomes in total hip arthroplasty for patients with anatomically contoured femoral heads

Introduction: Iliopsoas tendinitis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become more prevalent with the increased use of large-diameter femoral heads impinging on native surrounding tissues. Anatomically contoured heads (ACH) are soft-tissue-friendly femoral heads created to minimise this issue. This retrospective study assesses iliopsoas tendinitis prevalence and re-operations in primary THAs with ACH, while determining the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement and improvement with 5 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 53 ACHs from January 2020 to July 2023. Patients who completed Hip Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–Physical Function Short Form (HOOS-PS), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form 10a (PF SF-10a), PROMIS Global Health (GH)-Mental, or PROMIS GH-Physical, and pain score questionnaires were identified. PROM scores were collected preoperatively and at 3-month and 1-year postoperative intervals. Comparisons using chi-square and ANOVA tests were applied. Results: The rates of achieving MCID and improvement within the first year were (69.2 vs. 76.9%) for PROMIS GH-Physical, (38.5 vs. 46.2%) for PROMIS GH-Mental, (71.4 vs. 92.9%) for HOOS-PS, (80.0 vs. 80.0%) for PROMIS PF SF-10a, and (74.0 vs. 91.7%) for pain scores. PROM scores at 3 months and 1 year significantly varied across all categories, except for PROMIS GH-Mental. No patients had iliopsoas tendinitis, dislocations, or re-operations. Discussion: ACH implants may alleviate anterior hip pain, while maintaining comparable strength and bio-compatibility to conventional femoral heads. This study underscores the early safety and potential of ACH implants in reducing iliopsoas tendinitis and impingement.

An injectable, nanostructured implant for the delivery of adenosine triphosphate: towards long-acting formulations of small, hydrophilic drugs.

While long-acting injectable treatments are gaining increasing interest in managing chronic diseases, the available drug delivery systems almost exclusively rely on hydrophobic matrixes, limiting their application to either hydrophobic drugs or large and hydrophilic molecules such as peptides. To address the technological lock for long-acting delivery systems tailored to small, hydrophilic drugs such as anticancer and antiviral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, we have synthesized and characterized an original approach with a multi-scale structure: (i) a nucleotide (adenosine triphosphate, ATP) is first incorporated in hydrophilic chitosan-Fe(III) nanogels; (ii) these nanogels are then transferred by freeze-drying and resuspension into a water-free, hydrophobic medium containing PLGA and an organic solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. We show that this specific association allows an injectable and homogeneous dispersion, able to form in situ implants upon injection in physiological or aqueous environments. This system releases ATP in vitro without any burst effect in a two-step mechanism, first as nanogels acting as an intermediate reservoir over a week, then as free drug over several weeks. In vivo studies confirmed the potential of such nanostructured implants for sustained drug release following subcutaneous injection to mice hock, opening perspectives for sustained and targeted delivery through the lymphatic system.

Aesthetic Potential and Safety Profile with Nanotextured Breast Implants With 1,000 Cases of Breast Augmentation as Evaluation of Single-Center Experience.

Nanotextured implants, an innovation in implant technology, are designed to enhance tissue interaction, reduce inflammation, and mitigate complications compared to traditional implants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the aesthetic potential and safety profile of nanotextured breast implants in breast augmentation from a single-surgeon experience. This prospective cohort study included 1,000 patients who underwent breast augmentation with nanotextured implants. Aesthetic outcomes were assessed using direct measurements and BCCT.core software, focusing on breast projection, symmetry, and upper pole fullness. Patient satisfaction was measured through BREAST-Q and overall satisfaction surveys. Safety profiles were evaluated based on the incidence of complications such as infection, hematoma, capsular contracture, and implant rupture. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the outcomes. The study found significant improvements in aesthetic outcomes, with 92.8% of cases achieving substantial aesthetic enhancements. Patient satisfaction was high, with 96.4% reporting enhanced self-esteem and contentment. The safety profile was favorable, with a low incidence of complications (0.7% requiring revision surgery) and no major complications reported. Long-term follow-up data indicated sustained aesthetic outcomes and a stable safety profile. Insights into the synergistic relationship between nanotextured implants are defined by a significantly wider range of aesthetic options. The findings of this study underscore the positive impact of nanotextured breast implants on enhancing the aesthetic potential of breast augmentation. and contributing to a low incidence of complications.

Zirconia Hybrid Dental Implants Influence the Biological Properties of Neural Crest-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Dental implants are regularly employed in tooth replacement, the good clinical outcome of which is strictly correlated to the choice of an appropriate implant biomaterial. Titanium-based implants are considered the gold standard for rehabilitation of edentulous spaces. However, the insurgence of allergic reactions, cellular sensitization and low integration with dental and gingival tissues lead to poor osseointegration, affecting the implant stability in the bone and favoring infections and inflammatory processes in the peri-implant space. These failures pave the way to develop and improve new biocompatible implant materials. CERID dental implants are made of a titanium core embedded in a zirconium dioxide ceramic layer, ensuring absence of corrosion, a higher biological compatibility and a better bone deposition compared to titanium ones. We investigated hDPSCs' biological behavior, i.e., cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology and osteogenic potential, when seeded on both CERID and titanium implants, before and after cleansing with two different procedures. SEM and AFM analysis of the surfaces showed that while CERID disks were not significantly affected by the cleansing system, titanium ones exhibited well-visible modifications after brush treatment, altering cell morphology. The proliferation rate of DPSCs was increased for titanium, while it remained unaltered for CERID. Both materials hold an intrinsic potential to promote osteogenic commitment of neuro-ectomesenchymal stromal cells. Interestingly, the CERID surface mitigated the immune response by inducing an upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 on activated PBMCs when a pro-inflammatory microenvironment was established. Our in vitro results pave the way to further investigations aiming to corroborate the potential of CERID implants as suitable biomaterials for dental implant applications.

Improving Osseointegration Potential of 3D Printed PEEK Implants with Biomimetic Periodontal Ligament Fiber Hydrogel Surface Modifications

AbstractThe bioinertness, poor antibacterial properties, and weak osseointegration of polyether‐etherketone (PEEK) limit its clinical application as oral implants. In this study, it is developed a personalized and customizable PEEK implant with multifunctional capabilities through sequential 3D printing, surface sulfonation (SPEEK), and modification using a drug‐loaded photocured hydrogel composed of acrylic acid‐acrylamide (AA‐AM) containing simvastatin‐cefepime (SIM‐CFP). The modified implant, referred to as SCHSPEEK, mimics the structure of biomimetic periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers. The chemical composition, surface characteristics, and biological properties of SCHSPEEK both in vitro and in vivo are systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that hydrogel modification not only enhances hydrophilicity and reduces surface roughness and friction coefficient, but also improves biocompatibility, drug release, and antibacterial efficacy. Importantly, SCHSPEEK exhibits a significant improvement in osseointegration capacity in vivo. These findings highlight the potential of SCHSPEEK implants to serve as promising orthopedic and dental implants in clinical settings.

Unravelling the Relationship between Competitiveness Trait and Intention to Use Memory Implants: The Moderating Roles of Moral Equity, Egoism, and Utilitarianism

Technological advancements and augmenting technologies foster competitiveness and improved performance for businesses, nations, and individuals. The potential of memory implants offers a competitive edge to individuals seeking higher performance levels. The present study investigates whether the trait of competitiveness predicts the intention to use memory implants and explores how moral equity, egoism, and utilitarianism moderate this relationship. A total of 402 digital native technology users from four countries participated in the study. The results revealed a significant positive relationship between competitiveness traits and the intention to use memory implants. Furthermore, this relationship is weaker for individuals scoring high on moral equity against memory implants but stronger for those scoring high on utilitarianism in favor of memory implants. Egoism did not influence this relationship. This research improves the understanding of how competitiveness traits and ethical judgments influence the acceptance of human–machine hybrid technologies, enhancing competence.

Micro-Arc Oxidation in Titanium and Its Alloys: Development and Potential of Implants

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are widely recognized as preferred materials for bone implants due to their superior mechanical properties. However, their natural surface bio-inertness can hinder effective tissue integration. To address this challenge, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) has emerged as an innovative electrochemical surface modification technique. Its benefits range from operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness to environmental compatibility and scalability. Furthermore, the distinctive MAO process yields a porous topography that bestows versatile functionalities for biological applications, encompassing osteogenesis, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this review, we undertake an examination of the underlying mechanism governing the MAO process, scrutinize the multifaceted influence of various factors on coating performance, conduct an extensive analysis of the development of diverse biological functionalities conferred by MAO coatings, and discuss the practical application of MAO in implants. Finally, we provide insights into the limitations and potential pathways for further development of this technology in the field of bone implantation.

Investigating the Long-Term Success and Complication Rates of Zirconia Dental Implants: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Zirconia dental implants have gained attention due to their biocompatibility and aesthetics. However, research on their extended success and complication rates is limited. A prospective clinical study involved the placement of 30 zirconia dental implants in patients requiring tooth replacement. The implants were followed up for five years. Success was defined as the implant remaining stable and functional. Complications, including peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, were monitored. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and P-values were set at P < 0.05. The long-term success rate of zirconia dental implants was found to be 93.3%. Among the 30 implants, only 2 exhibited failure. The most common complication was peri-implant mucositis, occurring in 16.7% of implants. Notably, the incidence of peri-implantitis was limited, observed in 6.7% of implants. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between implant failure and smoking (P = 0.021). Zirconia dental implants demonstrated a high long-term success rate of 93.3% over five years. Peri-implant mucositis was the predominant complication, with a relatively low occurrence of peri-implantitis. The findings underscore the potential of zirconia implants for reliable dental implantation. Addressing modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, could further enhance implant success. Continued research is recommended to validate and expand upon these outcomes.

Influence of Internal Microarchitecture on the Shape of Individual Implants Made from Vinylidene Fluoride Copolymer by 3D Printing with High-Temperature Crystallization

The healing potential of individual polymer implants for the reconstruction of extensive craniofacialdefects after cancer resection is largely determined by the internal architecture of the implant. The architectureof an implant during polymer crystallization could affect the structure and shape of the implant at themicro and macro levels. In this study, the relationship between the internal architecture (triply periodic minimumsurface structure (gyroid), cube, grid, and honeycomb) and shape changes of individual implants by3D printing with a vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer after crystallization is examined at afilling density of 70%. Using the method of differential scanning calorimetry, it is established that crystallizationleads to the rearrangement of the crystalline structure of the implant into electrically active (ferroelectric)crystalline phases. Moreover, the type of internal architecture affects the change in the shape of theimplant after crystallization. The results of the computed tomography show that structures with a triply periodicminimum surface (gyroid) provide the minimal deformation of the implant during crystallization, whichmakes such structures optimal for manufacturing implants for replacing bone defects in the zygomatic-orbitalcomplex.

The move-C cervical artificial disc can restore intact range of motion and 3-D kinematics

BACKGROUND CONTEXTIn contrast to cervical discectomy and fusion, total disc replacement (TDR) aims at preserving the motion at the treated vertebral level. Spinal motion is commonly evaluated with the range of motion (ROM). However, more qualitative information about cervical kinematics before and after TDR is still lacking. PURPOSEThe aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of cervical TDR on ROM, instantaneous centers of rotation (ICR) and three-dimensional helical axes. STUDY DESIGNAn in vitro study with human spine specimens under pure moment loading was conducted to evaluate the kinematics of the intact cervical spine and compare it to cervical TDR. METHODSSix fresh frozen human cervical specimens (C4–5, median age 28 years, range 19–47 years, two female and four male) were biomechanically characterized in the intact state and after implantation of a cervical disc prosthesis (MOVE-C, NGMedical, Germany). To mimic in vivo conditions regarding temperature and humidity, water steam was used to create a warm and humid test environment with 37°C. Each specimen was quasistatically loaded with pure moments up to ±2.5 Nm in flexion/extension (FE), lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR) in a universal spine tester for 3.5 cycles at 1 °/s. For each third cycle of motion the ROM was evaluated and an established method was used to determine the helical axis and COR and to project them into three planar X-rays. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Friedman-test and post hoc correction with Dunn-Bonferroni-tests (p<.05). RESULTSAfter TDR, total ROM was increased in FE from 19.1° to 20.1°, decreased in LB from 14.6° to 12.6° and decreased in AR from 17.7° to 15.5°. No statistical differences between the primary ROM in the intact condition and ROM after TDR were detected. Coupled rotation between LB and AR were also maintained. The position and orientation of the helical axes after cervical TDR was in good agreement with the results of the intact specimens in all three motion directions. The ICR in FE and AR before and after TDR closely matched, while in LB the ICR after TDR were more caudal. The intact in vitro kinematics we found also resembled in vivo results of healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONThe results of this in vitro study highlight the potential of artificial cervical disc implants to replicate the quantity as well as the quality of motion of the intact cervical spine. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEPhysiological motion preservation was a driving factor in the development of cervical TDR. Our results demonstrate the potential of cervical TDR to replicate in vivo kinematics in all three motion directions.

Comparison of the antibacterial properties of Mg, Mg-2Ag, and Ti intramedullary implants in a murine model of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia -related periprosthetic osteomyelitis

Knowledge on the susceptibility of novel biomaterials to potential challenges in clinical practice is critical to defining the scope of implementation and further improvement of candidate materials. While periprosthetic infections remain a major and most difficult to treat complication in implantation orthopedics, magnesium-based biodegradable alloys are currently under eager attention as alternatives. Many in vitro studies reported profound antibacterial potential of pure magnesium and its alloys with improved bactericidal features. Some animal models with direct inoculation of bacteria or implantation of infected implants confirmed these results in vivo. However, the susceptibility of magnesium and binary alloys of magnesium and silver has not previously been assessed in experimental settings for hematogenous periprosthetic osteomyelitis. In the present study, we compared the antibacterial activity of pure Mg and Mg-2Ag with that of medical grade Titanium using a murine model for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia –related peri-implant bone infection. The bacteria colonization was inhibited on surfaces of Mg and Mg-2Ag intramedullary implants. However, the bacteria load in surrounding tissue was found to be similar between the three materials. Current findings (i) indicate that biocidal efficacy of a material in vivo can be influenced by contamination route; (ii) aware of a limited antibacterial potential of unmodified magnesium and magnesium-silver implants for patients with elevated risks of bloodstream infections; and (iii) emphasize the need of further improvements/alloy modifications for particular clinical purposes.

Biocompatible PVTF Coatings on Ti with Improved Bonding Strength

In this work, a poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (PVTF) coating on a titanium (Ti) substrate was prepared, and Ti metal surfaces were treated by physical or chemical methods to achieve a high bonding strength with PVTF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), and static water contact angles (WCA) were used to characterize the Ti metal surfaces. Further, mechanical stretching testing was employed to measure the bonding strength of PVTF coatings. The possible mechanism for the improved bonding strength could be the higher OH concentrations on Ti metal surfaces, which could lead to the formation of chemical bonds with the F atom of PVTF chains. Finally, a CCK-8 analysis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured on the PVTF coatings confirmed that the physical and chemical treatments had no significant differences in biocompatibility. Such a PVTF coating on a Ti substrate showed the potential of biomedical metal implants.

Biomimetic scaffold-based stem cell transplantation promotes lung regeneration.

Therapeutic options are limited for severe lung injury and disease as the spontaneous regeneration of functional alveolar is terminated owing to the weakness of the inherent stem cells and the dyscrasia of the niche. Umbilical cord mesenchymal-derived stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been applied to clinical trials to promote lung repair through stem cell niche restruction. However, the application of UC-MSCs is hampered by the effectiveness of cell transplantation with few cells homing to the injury sites and poor retention, survival, and proliferation in vivo. In this study, we constructed an artificial three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implant to establish a beneficial regeneration niche for endogenous stem cells in situ lung regeneration. The therapeutic potential of 3D biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implants was evaluated by 3D culture in vitro. And RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was mapped to explore the gene expression involved in the niche improvement. Next, a model of partial lung resection was established in rats, and the implants were implanted into the operative region. Effects of the implants on rat resected lung injury repair were detected. The results revealed that UC-MSCs loaded on biomimetic scaffolds exerted strong paracrine effects and some UC-MSCs migrated to the lung from scaffolds and had long-term retention to suppress inflammation and fibrosis in residual lungs and promoted vascular endothelial cells and alveolar type II epithelial cells to enter the scaffolds. Then, under the guidance of the ECM-mimicking structures of scaffolds and the stimulation of the remaining UC-MSCs, vascular and alveolar-like structures were formed in the scaffold region. Moreover, the general morphology of the operative lung was also restored. Taken together, the artificial 3D biomimetic scaffold-based MSCs implants induce in situ lung regeneration and recovery after lung destruction, providing a promising direction for tissue engineering and stem cell strategies in lung regeneration.

BIODEGRADABLE MAGNESIUM COMBINED WITH DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS SYNERGISTICALLY STIMULATES BONE TISSUE REGENERATION

Critical size bone defects are frequently caused by accidental trauma, oncologic surgery, and infection. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a useful technique to promote the repair of critical size bone defects. However, DO is usually a lengthy treatment, therefore accompanied with increased risks of complications such as infections and delayed union.Herein, we developed an innovative intramedullary biodegradable magnesium (Mg) nail to accelerate bone regeneration in critical size bone defect repair during DO.We observed that Mg nail induced almost 4-fold increase of new bone formation and over 5-fold of new vessel formation at 2 weeks after distraction. Mg nail upregulated the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the new bone as compared with the DO alone group. We further revealed that blockade of the sensory nerve by overdose capsaicin blunted Mg nail enhanced critical size bone defect repair during the DO process. Moreover, inhibitors/antagonist of CGRP receptor, FAK, and VEGF receptor blocked the Mg nail stimulated vessel and bone formation.In summary, we revealed, for the first time, a CGRP-FAK-VEGF signaling axis linking sensory nerve and endothelial cells, which may be the main mechanism underlying Mg-enhanced critical size bone defect repair when combined with DO, suggesting a great potential of Mg implants in reducing DO treatment time for clinical applications.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Potential of Melatonin Implants to Control Cyclicity in the Bitch.

In short-day breeders such as the sheep, melatonin stimulates oestrus activity; in contrast, a high serum concentration of melatonin inhibits oestrus in long-day breeders such as the cat. Therefore, implants with melatonin have been used to suppress or induce oestrus depending on the species. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate if melatonin could be an alternative to control the reproductive cycle in the bitch. Nine beagle bitches were observed for three oestrus cycles. Five beagle bitches were treated with 18 mg melatonin implants on average 27 days before the next expected oestrus based on the previous interoestrus interval. Four bitches served as untreated controls. Blood samples for evaluation of serum melatonin were collected at the time of assignment to treatment or control group and 1-4 weeks thereafter. Clinical signs and vaginal smears were used to follow the cycle. Melatonin varied significantly with bitch (p < 0.05) but not with treatment. Treatment did not affect the interoestrus interval (p > 0.05). In conclusion, treatment with 18 mg melatonin implants approximately one month before expected oestrus is not likely to be a useful method to control cyclicity in the bitch. It is still not known if melatonin is involved in regulation of the oestrus cycle in the domestic dog.

Regenerative Potential of Hydroxyapatite-Based Ceramic Biomaterial on Mandibular Cortical Bone: An In Vivo Study.

Reconstruction of bone defects and maintaining the continuity of the mandible is still a challenge in the maxillofacial surgery. Nowadays, the biomedical research within bone defect treatment is focussed on the therapy of using innovative biomaterials with specific characteristics consisting of the body's own substances. Hydroxyapatite ceramic scaffolds have fully acceptable phase compositions, microstructures and compressive strengths for their use in regenerative medicine. The innovative hydroxyapatite ceramics used by us were prepared using the tape-casting method, which allows variation in the shape of samples after packing hydroxyapatite paste to 3D-printed plastic form. The purpose of our qualitative study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of the innovative ceramic biomaterial prepared using this method in the therapy of the cortical bone of the lower jaw in four mature pigs. The mandible bone defects were evaluated after different periods of time (after 3, 4, 5 and 6 months) and compared with the control sample (healthy cortical bone from the opposite side of the mandible). The results of the morphological, clinical and radiological investigation and hardness examination confirmed the positive regenerative potential of ceramic implants after treatment of the mandible bone defects in the porcine mandible model.

Nonsurgical cleaning potential of deep-threaded implants and titanium particle release: A novel in vitro tissue model.

To measure the efficiency of three cleaning modalities on two implant designs with similar diameters but different thread depths as well as the presence of titanium particles. Sixty dyed implants (30 × 4.8 apically tapered (ATAP) and 30 × 5.0 fully tapered (FTAP)) were fixed in plastic models. The horizontal bone defects were surrounded with porcine soft tissue. Three instrumentation modalities were used to clean for 150 s: Curette (CUR), ultrasonic scaler (US), and air powder waterjet device (APWJ) with erythritol powder. Afterward, implants were photographed and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were taken. Titanium in the soft tissues was quantified in dissolved samples and histologically confirmed. For ATAP and FTAP implants, the percentage of the cleaned surface was 26.4 ± 3.0 and 17.1 ± 2.4% for CUR, 33.7 ± 3.8% and 28.1 ± 2.3% for US, and 45.5 ± 4.1% and 24.7 ± 3.8% for APWJ, respectively. SEM images showed significant implant surface changes, especially after instrumentation with CUR and US, whereas APWJ had little to no effect. Most titanium residues were found after cleaning ATAP implants with CUR (152.0 ± 75.5), followed by US (89.5 ± 73.8) and APWJ (0.3 ± 0.8). For the FTAP implants, respective values accounted for 129.5 ± 58.6 μg and 67.0 ± 14.4 μg for CUR and US, respectively. No titanium residues were detected on ATAP with APWJ. Based on in vitro data, erythritol-powered APWJ still appears to be the most efficient and gentle cleaning method. All three instruments, however, were found to have unprocessed areas depending on different implant designs, hence, clinical relevance for non-surgical approaches remains challenging and warrants further improvement.

Cryostructuring of Polymeric Systems: 64. Preparation and Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Cryogels Loaded with Antimicrobial Drugs and Assessment of the Potential of Such Gel Materials to Perform as Gel Implants for the Treatment of Infected Wounds.

Physical macroporous poly(vinyl alcohol)-based cryogels formed by the freeze-thaw technique without the use of any foreign cross-linkers are of significant interests for biomedical applications. In the present study, such gel materials loaded with the antimicrobial substances were prepared and their physicochemical properties were evaluated followed by an assessment of their potential to serve as drug carriers that can be used as implants for the treatment of infected wounds. The antibiotic Ceftriaxone and the antimycotic Fluconazole were used as antimicrobial agents. It was shown that the Ceftriaxone additives caused the up-swelling effects with respect to the cryogel matrix and some decrease in its heat endurance but did not result in a substantial change in the gel strength. With that, the drug release from the cryogel vehicle occurred without any diffusion restrictions, which was demonstrated by both the spectrophotometric recording and the microbiological agar diffusion technique. In turn, the in vivo biotesting of such drug-loaded cryogels also showed that these materials were able to function as rather efficient antimicrobial implants injected in the artificially infected model wounds of laboratory rabbits. These results confirmed the promising biomedical potential of similar implants.

Plasma fibrin membranes loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and corneal epithelial cells promote corneal injury healing via attenuating inflammation and fibrosis after corneal burns.

The shortage of corneal donors has prompted the development of tissue-engineered corneal grafts as an alternative solution. Currently, amniotic membranes with good biocompatibility are widely used as scaffolds for loading stem cells in the treatment of corneal injury. However, this approach has its limitations. In this study, BMSCs were induced to differentiate into corneal epithelial cells via direct contact co-culture, and platelet-poor plasma was used to prepare fibrin gels, which were compressed to remove excess liquid and then lyophilized to obtain plasma fibrin membranes (PFMs). A tissue-engineered corneal implant with PFMs as a scaffold loaded with BMSCs and corneal epithelial cells was designed and obtained. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PFMs have a uniformly distributed microporous surface that facilitates cell attachment and nutrient transport. The rheological results showed that the freeze-dried and rehydrated PFMs were more rigid than fresh membranes, which makes it easier to use them for transplantation after cell loading. The experimental results of a rat alkali burn cornea injury model showed that PFMs effectively reduced the inflammatory reaction, inhibited fibrosis, and accelerated the healing of corneal wounds. It was also found that some of the BMSCs were successfully implanted into the corneal injury site in rats and differentiated into corneal epithelial cells. These results demonstrate the potential of tissue-engineered corneal implants using BMSCs and corneal epithelial cells and PFMs as scaffolds as a new treatment option for corneal injury.

Evaluation of Protein Adsorption and Osseointegration Potential of Polyetheretherketone versus Titanium Dental Implants: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The success of implant therapy depends on a number of parameters, including bone volume implant shape, surface topography, the patient’s overall health, and local factors. Despite the fact that polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have undergone a lot of alterations, only a small number of studies have examined the bioactivity and osseointegration of PEEK implants with titanium. Aim: To summarise and evaluate protein adsorption and osseointegration capacity of PEEK and titanium dental implants. Materials and Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used and PROSPERO (CRD42023415494) registration was done. Electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the outcome in terms of protein adsorption and osseointegration capacity of PEEK and titanium dental implants. Quality assessment of included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: Depending on inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias assessment revealed that all the included studies were largely comparable in methodological quality. All the included studies had moderate to low-risk of bias with all the respective domains. All the included studies revealed that PEEK with optimal surface roughness might hold great potential for protein adsorption and osseointegration capacity. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it was found that compared to titanium, PEEK is less osseoconductive and bioactive. PEEK is therefore unsuitable for use as a dental implant in its unmodified form. Implantitis and implant failure occurs from improper osseoconductivity and bioactivity of dental implants.