Cyto-compatibility and anti-inflammatory effect of polyphenolic coatings on human gingival fibroblasts

Abstract

A rising number of patients prefer implant-retained restorations to replace missing teeth, and the majority of these implants are osseointegrated titanium implants with promising survival rates. However, inflammatory peri-implant diseases can jeopardies the long-term success of osseointegrated dental implants. In this project, we developed a thin polyphenol-based films on the titanium (Ti) surfaces and evaluated their ability to reduce inflammation. We examined the anti-inflammatory properties of tannic acid (TA) and pyrogallol (PG) coatings. Cytotoxicity of the formed coatings and their precursor molecules were determined with LDH assay. Pro-inflammatory cytokine release and activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in human gingival fibroblasts cultivated on coated titanium surfaces were measured and compared to cell response on unmodified Ti surfaces and to cells exposed to dissolved TA and PG molecules. By building on this knowledge, we hope to contribute to the development of therapeutically practical infection-resistant polyphenol-coated implant surfaces that may modify the wound healing response elicited by the host tissue upon implant insertion.