New insights into the influence of surface roughness of titanium and zirconia-based materials in the regenerative behavior of human gingival keratinocytes
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of implant composition and surface modifications on the behavior of human gingival keratinocytes, a natural source of peri-implant epithelium. METHODS: The materials used in this study were titanium grade 4 and 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) discs with various surface modifications (e.g., polished, machined, sandblasted, and/or acid-etched). Surface roughness and wettability were first characterized, followed by culturing human gingival keratinocytes on these substrates. Cell morphology, adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, cell cycle progression, and differentiation were analyzed using immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: The chemical composition and surface topography of the materials markedly influenced keratinocyte behavior. Specifically, reduced surface roughness enhanced the formation of mature focal adhesions, increased laminin-332 deposition, and promoted keratinocyte motility and proliferation. After 24 h of culture, smooth surfaces showed higher cell densities and a greater proportion of cycling cells. Interestingly, after one week of culture, smooth ceramic materials presented significantly higher gingival keratinocyte densities than smooth titanium surfaces. Furthermore, zirconia-based ceramic surfaces induced the expression of junctional epithelial markers, including keratin 19 (KRT19) and odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein (ODAM), while maintaining keratin 14 (KRT14) expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that biomaterials with smooth surfaces, especially of zirconia, induce pro-regenerative biological responses conducive to the development of a functional peri-implant epithelium.
Source: Journal of Oral Biosciences
Authors: Irati Fernandez-de-Mendiola, Igor Irastorza, Sara Martin-Iglesias, Gaskon Ibarretxe, Fernando-José Unda, Raphael S. Wagner, Unai Silvan, Lucía Jiménez-Rojo
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
OpenAlex ID: W7109945590