Electrochemically anodized (EA) surfaces promise enhanced biological properties and may be a solution to ensure a seal between peri-implant soft tissues and dental transmucosal components. However, the interaction between the modified nano-structured surface and the gingival cells needs further investigation. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the biological response of gingival cells to EA titanium surfaces in in vitro studies with a score-based reliability assessment. A protocol aimed at answering the following focused question was developed: “How does the surface integrity (e.g., topography and chemistry) of EA titanium influence gingival cell response in in vitro studies?”. A search in three computer databases was performed using keywords. A quality assessment of the studies selected was performed using the SciRAP method. A total of 14 articles were selected from the 216 eligible papers. The mean reporting and the mean methodologic quality SciRAP scores were 87.7 ± 7.7/100 and 77.8 ± 7.8/100, respectively. Within the limitation of this review based on in vitro studies, it can be safely speculated that EA surfaces with optimal chemical and morphological characteristics enhance gingival fibroblast response compared to conventional titanium surfaces. When EA is combined with functionalization, it also positively influences gingival epithelial cell behavior.

TiO₂ nanotubes (NTs) obtained via electrochemical anodization (EA) on conventionally machined titanium surfaces, are reported to be promising for achieving mucointegration in dental implant therapy. Dental abutments, manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM), combined with thermal post-treatment is a promising alternative to the conventionally machined titanium. Based on an original protocol, this study aims to investigate how the characteristic microstructure of the α+β phases post-heated SLM Ti6AL4V can influence the growth of NTs and the resulting physical and chemical surface properties. Ti6Al4V-SLM discs were fabricated, heat post-treated and mechanically polished. The samples were then subjected to EA under different voltage conditions (10, 20 and 30 V). The specimens’ surfaces were characterized at the same location before NTs deposition by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and after deposition by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, roughness and wettability were studied to determine how EA affects surface properties compared to conventionally machined and polished titanium surfaces without NTs (reference). Surface reactivity was evaluated by chemical analysis and collagen binding capacities. The self-organized TiO₂ layer was developed on the α phase only and the β phase was preferentially dissolved. The characteristic dimensions of the nanotubes (diameter, length and wall thickness), measured by SEM image analysis, increase proportionally with the rise in voltage but are not affected by the crystallographic orientation of the underlying α grain. Micro-roughness was the same for nanotubular and reference surfaces. Wettability was improved, as was surface reactivity towards collagen, which may contribute to improved bioactivity of titanium surfaces in dentistry.

(2019). Additive manufactured titanium for prosthetic application in dentistry: surface topography characterization and in vitro cellular response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Vol. 22, 44th Congress of the Société de Biomécanique, pp. S31-S32.

Mucointegration is as important as osseointegration to ensure the survival of implant-supported prosthesis. Indeed, effective soft tissue integration (STI) prevents the appearance of complication through bacterial dissemination. To optimize STI, electrochemical anodization can be used to nanostructure the trans-gingival part of the prosthetic component. Moreover, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a new 3D-manufacturing technique that enables the production of customized implant-supported prosthesis with complex geometry. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a SLM manufactured and anodized Ti6Al4V surface on the behaviour of both, human gingival fibroblasts and oral bacteria. Method: SLM-Ti6Al4V discs were polished and anodized with defined parameters to obtain nanotubes (NTs) with specific morphology. Surface characterization was assessed through surface topography and wettability. Human gingival Fibroblasts were cultured, and cell morphology was observed by SEM at day 7. Proliferation, viability (day 1,4,7) and adhesion (6 h and 36 h) were analyzed. Then immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR were used to detect the distribution and the gene expression of vinculin at 48 h. An early colonizer (Streptococcus gordonii) was used for a parallel evaluation of bacteriological adhesion. Results: SLM-ANO-Ti6Al4V showed similar performances in terms of cytotoxicity, compared with a machined and polished titanium surface currently used in clinics. Interestingly, cell adhesion was enhanced on anodized SLM surfaces, with a difference in the distribution of focal adhesion plaques in HGFs, while biofilm formation of S. gordonii was not affected by anodization. Significance: SLM anodized surface showed promising ability to promote STI while controlling bacterial adhesion.