Direct laser writing-mediated generation of standardized topographies for dental implant surface optimization

The functionalization of dental implants, aiming at the improvement of long-term acceptance, is of pivotal interest in dental research. Bone, connective tissue, and oral epithelium are in direct contact to the implant surface and exhibit distinct requirements for proper growth and differentiation. The authors applied direct laser writing and atomic layer deposition for the generation of TiO2-coated micro and nanostructures which were subsequently tested for colonization and growth behavior of SaOs-2 cells, an osteosarcoma cell line revealing osteoblastic properties. Structures composed of rigid posts and flexible rods provide a matrix, which—when spaced adequately—favor the three-dimensional growth and proliferation of SaOs-2 cells. The results provide a proof of concept for the optimization of dental implant surfaces using generic techniques which deliver highly standardized structure motifs supporting the biological functions of the tissues affected.