Picosecond laser-engineered osteon-inspired concentric micropatterns on titanium implants regulate cellular behaviour to facilitate osseointegration

TL;DR

This study uses laser technology to create bone-like patterns on titanium implants, improving bone integration by influencing cell behavior.

Contribution

The novel use of picosecond lasers to create osteon-inspired micropatterns that regulate cellular activity and enhance osseointegration.

Findings

20 μm and 80 μm groove widths significantly enhanced osteoblast activity while suppressing osteoclast and fibroblast activity.

In vivo experiments confirmed substantial new bone formation on implants with 20 μm and 80 μm groove widths.

Omics analyses validated the activation of multiple pathways involved in osteogenic responses.

Abstract

Achieving successful osseointegration in dental implants remains challenging due to biological and biomechanical complications. Inspired by the architecture of osteons, the fundamental structural units of cortical bone, this study employs picosecond-ultraviolet laser (PSL-UV) technology to create biomimetic, osteon-like concentric micropatterns with varying groove widths (20 μm, 40 μm, 60 μm, and 80 μm) on titanium (Ti) surfaces. These patterns aim to regulate cellular behavior and enhance osseointegration. In vitro studies demonstrated that groove width critically influenced cellular responses: 20 μm and 80 μm patterns significantly enhanced osteoblast activity while simultaneously regulating or suppressing osteoclast and fibroblastic activity. Gene expression and omics analyses further supported these findings, highlighting the role of micropatterns in modulating cellular differentiation and function. In vivo experiments confirmed substantial new bone formation on implants with 20 μm and 80 μm groove widths, underscoring their osteogenic potential. Moreover, the precision and scalability of PSL-UV technology offer a clinically viable solution for improving implant success rates. By tailoring implant surfaces to modulate cellular responses, this strategy enables personalized implant designs, enhancing long-term implant longevity in diverse patient populations. This study provides a promising pathway for advancing dental implantology through biomimetic surface engineering.

Schematic diagram illustrating the different types of osteon-like concentric micro patterns and their effects on the different cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and human gingival fibroblasts), and their capacity in augmenting new bone formation for improved osseointegration.Image 1

•Picosecond laser-fabricated osteon-like micropatterns boost osseointegration.•20/80 μm grooves boost osteogenesis and downregulates osteoclast/fibroblast activity.•Omics-validated multi-pathways activation of enhanced osteogenic responses.•In vivo validation shows augmented bone formation around micropatterned implants.•Laser technology enables clinical translation of topographically optimized implants.

Picosecond laser-fabricated osteon-like micropatterns boost osseointegration.

20/80 μm grooves boost osteogenesis and downregulates osteoclast/fibroblast activity.

Omics-validated multi-pathways activation of enhanced osteogenic responses.

In vivo validation shows augmented bone formation around micropatterned implants.

Laser technology enables clinical translation of topographically optimized implants.

Figures