Dual response of fibroblasts viability and Porphyromonas gingivalis adhesion on nanostructured zirconia abutment surfaces

Abstract Soft tissue integration surrounding dental implant is considered as a biological barrier against the oral microorganisms and external stimuli. At present, successful soft tissues integration around implants remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nanostructured zirconia abutment surfaces on fibroblasts viability and Porphyromonas gingivalis adhesion, which are the two main factors influencing the quality of peri‐implant soft‐tissue seal. Zirconia samples were made from three‐dimensional gel deposition approach and divided into three groups: zirconia surfaces, zirconia film coated surfaces (CZr) and polished surfaces (PZr). The Surface properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and water contact angle. The behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) on samples, including of proliferation, morphology, gene expression and protein expression as well as collagen synthesis were assessed. Additionally, the adhesion of P. gingivalis on samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and live/dead staining. CZr and PZr group significantly enhanced fibroblasts viability such as cell proliferation, cell spreading and extracellular matrix secretion, and impaired P. gingivalis adhesion. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that CZr and PZr surfaces with nano‐grains or grinding grooves might be considered as the feasible zirconia abutments substrate for reinforcing HGFs response and minimizing P. gingivalis adhesion, and thereby enhance peri‐implant soft‐tissue integration.