Work

Full-laser-enabled clean hierarchical structuring and multifunctional synergy for high-performance in vivo 3D-printed implants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The long-term success of dental implants is often compromised by bacterial infection and inadequate osseointegration. Conventional surface modifications typically address these issues separately, lacking synergy and long-term stability. Here, we present a full-laser-enabled strategy that combines laser polishing technology and femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), followed by spatially guided silver nanoparticle (AgNP) deposition on 3D-printed titanium. The novelty of current integrated process mainly lies in hierarchical topography regulation and programmable antibacterial ion delivery in a single clean platform. The hierarchical structures guide fibroblast and osteoblast alignment, enhancing cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation, while also mechanically stretching bacterial membranes to facilitate Ag + entry. Critically, the hierarchical geometry modulates Ag + release kinetics, preventing burst release and enabling sustained antibacterial action. In vitro experiments have showed a 74.4% reduction in Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm formation, a 300% increase in effective Ag + release duration for ensuring sustained antibacterial efficacy and a 37.6% increase in gingival fibroblast proliferation, while in vivo animal experiments were conducted using Beagle dogs and have confirmed both the reduction of peri-implant inflammation and the enhancement of osseointegration as evidenced by a 38.7% increase in bone-implant contact ratio. This pioneering work unveils a scalable and synergistically optimized methodology for additive manufacturing of next-generation bioactive implants, enabling patient-specific customization of biomechanics and bioactivity.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2026.103095