Surface modification affects human gingival epithelial cell behavior on polyetheretherketone surfaces

• Published in: Dental Materials Journal Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 191 - 199
• Main Authors: OMATSU, Keiju, YAMAWAKI, Isao, TAGUCHI, Yoichiro, TSUMORI, Norimasa, HASHIMOTO, Yoshiya, UMEDA, Makoto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices 25-03-2024; Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Adhesion; Argon plasma; Benzophenones; Buffing; Carbon content; Cell Adhesion; Epithelial Cells; Epithelium; Gingiva; Humans; Irradiation; Ketones; Laminin; Mechanical properties; Oxygen content; Peri-implantitis; Polyether ether ketones; Polyetheretherketone (PEEK); Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers; Soft tissues; Surface Properties; Titanium; Ultraviolet radiation; Wettability; Epithelial cells; Peri-implantitis; Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
• ISSN: 0287-4547; 1881-1361
• DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2023-196

Gingival epithelial attachment to the abutment is important for the prevention of peri-implantitis. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has recently gained attention as an alternative material to titanium; however, it is biologically inert, which is disadvantageous for obtaining soft tissue sealing of the transmucosal part of the implant abutment. Therefore, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, argon plasma irradiation, and buffing were selected as treatments to modify the PEEK surface. None of the treatments had any effect on the material’s mechanical strength. The UV and plasma treatments did not significantly affect the surface morphology. Surface elemental analysis showed a decrease in carbon content and an increase in oxygen content and wettability for all treatments. Human gingival epithelial cell adhesion, proliferation, and the expression of adhesion proteins integrin β4 and laminin 332, were increased. Surface modification to PEEK was suggested to enhance cell activity on PEEK.