Bioactive hybrid coatings for titanium dental implants: evaluation of osteogenic activity and osseointegration potential

• Grant number: 24/22322-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Ramos
• Grantee: Paula Consul Kazmirczak
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/08568-2 - Investigation of the extracellular vesicles (VEs) role in the initiation, propagation, regeneration, and modeling of biological mineralization, AP.TEM

Abstract

The process of osseointegration refers to the fixation of the metallic implant to the adjacent native tissue, being of utmost importance for clinical success in implant dentistry. This process depends on various factors, including cellular adhesion to the material's surface and the migration of ions from the bones to this interface, enabling the action of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone mineralization. The performance of their functions can be optimized when the biochemical environment in which they are inserted resembles in shape and composition that found in the body. In light of this, the present project aims to develop bioinspired hybrid osseoinductive coatings for titanium implants, consisting of a silica layer connected to a biopolymeric matrix containing type I collagen and a polysaccharide, such as k-carrageenan or chitosan, which will also serve to anchor nanoparticles of calcium phosphates and bioglasses. To enhance adhesion and control the porosity and interconnectivity of pores in the materials, the films will be lyophilized after deposition onto Ti. The synthesis parameters will be investigated, and the biomaterials will be characterized with respect to composition, morphology, textural properties, surface energy, mechanical resistance, corrosion resistance, coating adhesion strength, degradation rate, and cellular adhesion. The release of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Sr2+ ions from the nanoparticles will also be analyzed and correlated with the ability to induce mineralization in vitro and the expression of molecular markers such as alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, through RT-qPCR analysis in osteoblast and osteoclast cultures. Toxicological evaluation will be conducted on both the inorganic nanoparticles and the coated discs through cellular viability, cell cycle, comet assay, and micronucleus test. The results obtained will be compared with the requirements set by standardized methods to assess the compliance of the produced materials.