# Attachment of Human Epithelial Cells to an Anodized Titanium Surface

## TL;DR

This study shows that anodized titanium surfaces improve the attachment of human epithelial cells, likely due to increased expression of adhesion molecules.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that anodized titanium enhances epithelial cell attachment through elevated laminin and integrin β4 expression and localization.

## Key findings

- Anodized titanium surfaces had significantly higher wettability compared to machined titanium surfaces.
- Expression levels of laminin and integrin β4 were significantly higher on anodized surfaces after 24 hours.
- Protein localization of laminin and integrin β4 was observed along cell margins on anodized surfaces.

## Abstract

The attachment of the oral epithelium to the abutment surface is crucial for the long-term success of dental implants. This study aimed to evaluate the attachment of human epithelial cells to anodized titanium surfaces. Anodized titanium discs were used as the experimental group, while machined titanium discs served as the control. Surface roughness and wettability were first measured for each group. Next, human epithelial cells were seeded onto each disc at a density of 4.0 × 104 cells/cm2 and evaluated 3, 6, and 24 h later for cell proliferation, as well as mRNA expression and protein levels of laminin and integrin β4. Surface roughness was comparable between the two groups; however, wettability was significantly higher in the experimental group. Cell proliferation increased over time in both groups and showed no significant difference. Notably, the expression levels of both laminin and integrin β4 were significantly higher in the experimental group at 24 h. Furthermore, protein localization of laminin and integrin β4 was observed along the cell margins on the anodized surface. These findings suggest that anodization enhances epithelial cell attachment by promoting the expression and peripheral organization of key adhesion molecules.