Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 30172

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Special Issue Editor

School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
Interests: nano-engineered bone/dental implants; titanium; anodization; nanopores; local drug release; osseointegration; soft-tissue integration
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Dental implant failure due to lack of integration (between implant and tissue) and bacterial infection presents a major health and economic challenge, especially in patients with ongoing conditions. This Special Issue will shine light on recent nano-engineering advances that revolutionize dental implant technology, by creating the next generation of implants capable of providing maximum local therapy to drastically reduce implant failures. Various nano-engineering strategies have been applied in dentistry to enable augmented osseo-integration, soft-tissue integration, and antibacterial functions from the surface of dental implants. From enhanced surface bioactivity to local drug therapy, nano-scale surface modification of dental implants has attracted attention in alleviating challenges associated with long-term implant success especially in compromised conditions.

I invite authors to contribute original research or comprehensive review articles highlighting novel nanotechnology-enabled dental implant research. This Special Issue will cover a wide range of topics: nano-scale surface modification of dental implants (Ti, Zr, alloys, etc.), enhanced osseointegration and soft-tissue integration, antibacterial therapy, immunomodulation, local drug release, and cytotoxicity. This Special Issue invites full papers, communications, and reviews.

Dr. Karan Gulati
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dental implants
  • nano-engineering
  • surface modification
  • osseointegration
  • soft-tissue integration
  • antibacterial therapy
  • local drug release

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 187 KiB  
Editorial
Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications
by Karan Gulati
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12020272 - 15 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1473
Abstract
This Special Issue of Nanomaterials explores the recent advances and trends with respect to nano-engineered strategies towards dental implant applications [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)

Research

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15 pages, 3675 KiB  
Article
Influence of Bioinspired Lithium-Doped Titanium Implants on Gingival Fibroblast Bioactivity and Biofilm Adhesion
by Aya Q. Alali, Abdalla Abdal-hay, Karan Gulati, Sašo Ivanovski, Benjamin P. J. Fournier and Ryan S. B. Lee
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112799 - 22 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2616
Abstract
Soft tissue integration (STI) at the transmucosal level around dental implants is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Surface modification of titanium dental implants could be an effective way to enhance peri-implant STI. The present study aimed to investigate the effect [...] Read more.
Soft tissue integration (STI) at the transmucosal level around dental implants is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. Surface modification of titanium dental implants could be an effective way to enhance peri-implant STI. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of bioinspired lithium (Li)-doped Ti surface on the behaviour of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and oral biofilm in vitro. HGFs were cultured on various Ti surfaces—Li-doped Ti (Li_Ti), NaOH_Ti and micro-rough Ti (Control_Ti)—and were evaluated for viability, adhesion, extracellular matrix protein expression and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, single species bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and multi-species oral biofilms from saliva were cultured on each surface and assessed for viability and metabolic activity. The results show that both Li_Ti and NaOH_Ti significantly increased the proliferation of HGFs compared to the control. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) mRNA levels were significantly increased on Li_Ti and NaOH_Ti at day 7. Moreover, Li_Ti upregulated COL-I and fibronectin gene expression compared to the NaOH_Ti. A significant decrease in bacterial metabolic activity was detected for both the Li_Ti and NaOH_Ti surfaces. Together, these results suggest that bioinspired Li-doped Ti promotes HGF bioactivity while suppressing bacterial adhesion and growth. This is of clinical importance regarding STI improvement during the maintenance phase of the dental implant treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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20 pages, 20187 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Surface Change and Roughness in Implants Lost Due to Peri-Implantitis Using Erbium Laser and Various Methods: An In Vitro Study
by Aslihan Secgin-Atar, Gokce Aykol-Sahin, Necla Asli Kocak-Oztug, Funda Yalcin, Aslan Gokbuget and Ulku Baser
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102602 - 02 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
The aim of our study was to obtain similar surface properties and elemental composition to virgin implants after debridement of contaminated titanium implant surfaces covered with debris. Erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, curette, and [...] Read more.
The aim of our study was to obtain similar surface properties and elemental composition to virgin implants after debridement of contaminated titanium implant surfaces covered with debris. Erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser, erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser, curette, and ultrasonic device were applied to contaminated implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken, the elemental profile of the surfaces was evaluated with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and the surface roughness was analyzed with profilometry. Twenty-eight failed implants and two virgin implants as control were included in the study. The groups were designed accordingly; titanium curette group, ultrasonic scaler with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) tip, Er: YAG very short pulse laser group (100 μs, 120 mJ/pulse 10 Hz), Er: YAG short-pulse laser group (300 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er: YAG long-pulse laser group (600 μs, 120 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG1 laser group (1 W 10 Hz), Er, Cr: YSGG2 laser group (1.5 W, 30 Hz). In each group, four failed implants were debrided for 120 s. When SEM images and EDX findings and profilometry results were evaluated together, Er: YAG long pulse and ultrasonic groups were found to be the most effective for debridement. Furthermore, the two interventions have shown the closest topography of the sandblasted, large grit, acid-etched implant surface (SLA) as seen on virgin implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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10 pages, 2397 KiB  
Communication
Towards Clinical Translation: Optimized Fabrication of Controlled Nanostructures on Implant-Relevant Curved Zirconium Surfaces
by Divya Chopra, Karan Gulati and Sašo Ivanovski
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11040868 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2549
Abstract
Anodization enables fabrication of controlled nanotopographies on Ti implants to offer tailorable bioactivity and local therapy. However, anodization of Zr implants to fabricate ZrO2 nanostructures remains underexplored and are limited to the modification of easy-to-manage flat Zr foils, which do not represent [...] Read more.
Anodization enables fabrication of controlled nanotopographies on Ti implants to offer tailorable bioactivity and local therapy. However, anodization of Zr implants to fabricate ZrO2 nanostructures remains underexplored and are limited to the modification of easy-to-manage flat Zr foils, which do not represent the shape of clinically used implants. In this pioneering study, we report extensive optimization of various nanostructures on implant-relevant micro-rough Zr curved surfaces, bringing this technology closer to clinical translation. Further, we explore the use of sonication to remove the top nanoporous layer to reveal the underlying nanotubes. Nano-engineered Zr surfaces can be applied towards enhancing the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of conventional Zr-based implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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12 pages, 9310 KiB  
Article
Correlation between LncRNA Profiles in the Blood Clot Formed on Nano-Scaled Implant Surfaces and Osseointegration
by Long Bai, Peiru Chen, Bin Tang, Ruiqiang Hang and Yin Xiao
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030674 - 09 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1992
Abstract
Implant surfaces with a nanoscaled pattern can dominate the blood coagulation process resulting in a defined clot structure and its degradation behavior, which in turn influence cellular response and the early phase of osseointegration. Long non-coding (Lnc) RNAs are known to regulate many [...] Read more.
Implant surfaces with a nanoscaled pattern can dominate the blood coagulation process resulting in a defined clot structure and its degradation behavior, which in turn influence cellular response and the early phase of osseointegration. Long non-coding (Lnc) RNAs are known to regulate many biological processes in the skeletal system; however, the link between the LncRNA derived from the cells within the clot and osseointegration has not been investigated to date. Hence, the sequence analysis of LncRNAs expressed within the clot formed on titania nanotube arrays (TNAs) with distinct nano-scaled diameters (TNA 15 of 15 nm, TNA 60 of 60 nm, TNA 120 of 120 nm) on titanium surfaces was profiled for the first time. LncRNA LOC103346307, LOC103352121, LOC108175175, LOC103348180, LOC108176660, and LOC108176465 were identified as the pivotal players in the early formed clot on the nano-scaled surfaces. Further bioinformatic prediction results were used to generate co-expression networks of LncRNAs and mRNAs. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses revealed that distinct nano-scaled surfaces could regulate the biological functions of target mRNAs in the clot. LOC103346307, LOC108175175, and LOC108176660 upregulated mRNAs related to cell metabolism and Wnt, TGF-beta, and VEGF signaling pathways in TNA 15 compared with P-Ti, TNA 60, and TNA 120, respectively, whereas LOC103352121, LOC103348180, and LOC108176465 downregulated mRNAs related to bone resorption and inflammation through negatively regulating osteoclast differentiation, TNF, and NF-kappa signaling pathways. The results indicated that surface nano-scaled characteristics can significantly influence the clot-derived LncRNAs expression profile, which affects osseointegration through multiple signaling pathways of the targeted mRNAs, thus paving a way for better interpreting the link between the properties of a blood clot formed on the nano-surface and de novo bone formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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17 pages, 2667 KiB  
Article
Ipriflavone-Loaded Mesoporous Nanospheres with Potential Applications for Periodontal Treatment
by Laura Casarrubios, Natividad Gómez-Cerezo, María José Feito, María Vallet-Regí, Daniel Arcos and María Teresa Portolés
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(12), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10122573 - 21 Dec 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2325
Abstract
The incorporation and effects of hollow mesoporous nanospheres in the system SiO2–CaO (nanoMBGs) containing ipriflavone (IP), a synthetic isoflavone that prevents osteoporosis, were evaluated. Due to their superior porosity and capability to host drugs, these nanoparticles are designed as a potential [...] Read more.
The incorporation and effects of hollow mesoporous nanospheres in the system SiO2–CaO (nanoMBGs) containing ipriflavone (IP), a synthetic isoflavone that prevents osteoporosis, were evaluated. Due to their superior porosity and capability to host drugs, these nanoparticles are designed as a potential alternative to conventional bioactive glasses for the treatment of periodontal defects. To identify the endocytic mechanisms by which these nanospheres are incorporated within the MC3T3-E1 cells, five inhibitors (cytochalasin B, cytochalasin D, chlorpromazine, genistein and wortmannin) were used before the addition of these nanoparticles labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC–nanoMBGs). The results indicate that nanoMBGs enter the pre-osteoblasts mainly through clathrin-dependent mechanisms and in a lower proportion by macropinocytosis. The present study evidences the active incorporation of nanoMBG–IPs by MC3T3-E1 osteoprogenitor cells that stimulate their differentiation into mature osteoblast phenotype with increased alkaline phosphatase activity. The final aim of this study is to demonstrate the biocompatibility and osteogenic behavior of IP-loaded bioactive nanoparticles to be used for periodontal augmentation purposes and to shed light on internalization mechanisms that determine the incorporation of these nanoparticles into the cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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Review

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26 pages, 2722 KiB  
Review
Dental Implant Nano-Engineering: Advances, Limitations and Future Directions
by Yifan Zhang, Karan Gulati, Ze Li, Ping Di and Yan Liu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2489; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102489 - 24 Sep 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 6865
Abstract
Titanium (Ti) and its alloys offer favorable biocompatibility, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, which makes them an ideal material choice for dental implants. However, the long-term success of Ti-based dental implants may be challenged due to implant-related infections and inadequate osseointegration. With the [...] Read more.
Titanium (Ti) and its alloys offer favorable biocompatibility, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, which makes them an ideal material choice for dental implants. However, the long-term success of Ti-based dental implants may be challenged due to implant-related infections and inadequate osseointegration. With the development of nanotechnology, nanoscale modifications and the application of nanomaterials have become key areas of focus for research on dental implants. Surface modifications and the use of various coatings, as well as the development of the controlled release of antibiotics or proteins, have improved the osseointegration and soft-tissue integration of dental implants, as well as their antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions. This review introduces recent nano-engineering technologies and materials used in topographical modifications and surface coatings of Ti-based dental implants. These advances are discussed and detailed, including an evaluation of the evidence of their biocompatibility, toxicity, antimicrobial activities and in-vivo performances. The comparison between these attempts at nano-engineering reveals that there are still research gaps that must be addressed towards their clinical translation. For instance, customized three-dimensional printing technology and stimuli-responsive, multi-functional and time-programmable implant surfaces holds great promise to advance this field. Furthermore, long-term in vivo studies under physiological conditions are required to ensure the clinical application of nanomaterial-modified dental implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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18 pages, 6525 KiB  
Review
Microbial Decontamination and Antibacterial Activity of Nanostructured Titanium Dental Implants: A Narrative Review
by Sepanta Hosseinpour, Ashwin Nanda, Laurence J. Walsh and Chun Xu
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092336 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4471
Abstract
Peri-implantitis is the major cause of the failure of dental implants. Since dental implants have become one of the main therapies for teeth loss, the number of patients with peri-implant diseases has been rising. Like the periodontal diseases that affect the supporting tissues [...] Read more.
Peri-implantitis is the major cause of the failure of dental implants. Since dental implants have become one of the main therapies for teeth loss, the number of patients with peri-implant diseases has been rising. Like the periodontal diseases that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth, peri-implant diseases are also associated with the formation of dental plaque biofilm, and resulting inflammation and destruction of the gingival tissues and bone. Treatments for peri-implantitis are focused on reducing the bacterial load in the pocket around the implant, and in decontaminating surfaces once bacteria have been detached. Recently, nanoengineered titanium dental implants have been introduced to improve osteointegration and provide an osteoconductive surface; however, the increased surface roughness raises issues of biofilm formation and more challenging decontamination of the implant surface. This paper reviews treatment modalities that are carried out to eliminate bacterial biofilms and slow their regrowth in terms of their advantages and disadvantages when used on titanium dental implant surfaces with nanoscale features. Such decontamination methods include physical debridement, chemo-mechanical treatments, laser ablation and photodynamic therapy, and electrochemical processes. There is a consensus that the efficient removal of the biofilm supplemented by chemical debridement and full access to the pocket is essential for treating peri-implantitis in clinical settings. Moreover, there is the potential to create ideal nano-modified titanium implants which exert antimicrobial actions and inhibit biofilm formation. Methods to achieve this include structural and surface changes via chemical and physical processes that alter the surface morphology and confer antibacterial properties. These have shown promise in preclinical investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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34 pages, 2163 KiB  
Review
Periodontal and Dental Pulp Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles: A Review of the Current Status
by Shu Hua, Peter Mark Bartold, Karan Gulati, Corey Stephen Moran, Sašo Ivanovski and Pingping Han
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11071858 - 19 Jul 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4037
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound lipid particles that are secreted by all cell types and function as cell-to-cell communicators through their cargos of protein, nucleic acid, lipids, and metabolites, which are derived from their parent cells. There is limited information on the isolation [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound lipid particles that are secreted by all cell types and function as cell-to-cell communicators through their cargos of protein, nucleic acid, lipids, and metabolites, which are derived from their parent cells. There is limited information on the isolation and the emerging therapeutic role of periodontal and dental pulp cell-derived small EVs (sEVs, <200 nm, or exosome). In this review, we discuss the biogenesis of three EV subtypes (sEVs, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies) and the emerging role of sEVs from periodontal ligament (stem) cells, gingival fibroblasts (or gingival mesenchymal stem cells) and dental pulp cells, and their therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. A review of the relevant methodology found that precipitation-based kits and ultracentrifugation are the two most common methods to isolate periodontal (dental pulp) cell sEVs. Periodontal (and pulp) cell sEVs range in size, from 40 nm to 2 μm, due to a lack of standardized isolation protocols. Nevertheless, our review found that these EVs possess anti-inflammatory, osteo/odontogenic, angiogenic and immunomodulatory functions in vitro and in vivo, via reported EV cargos of EV–miRNAs, EV–circRNAs, EV–mRNAs and EV–lncRNAs. This review highlights the considerable therapeutic potential of periodontal and dental pulp cell-derived sEVs in various regenerative applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano-Engineering Solutions for Dental Implant Applications)
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