Dr. Katharina Nikutta-Doll (Hannover, DE), Dr. Carina Mikolai (Hannover, DE), Nils Heine (Hannover, DE), Kestutis Kurselis (Hannover, DE), Prof. Dr. Boris Chichkov (Hannover, DE), Prof. Dr. Meike Stiesch (Hannover, DE)
Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)
Introduction
Advanced dental abutments strive for inhibition of infection-inductive biofilm colonization while at the same time unrestricted tissue integration. The biomimetic concept of slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) has already shown promising characteristics for this purpose. However, so far, SLIPS on titanium have been generated from non-biocompatible lubricants, which hinders medical application.
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was development and biological characterization of a biocompatible SLIPS functionalization on titanium.
Materials & methodsBiocompatible SLIPS were produced by femtosecond pulsed laser ablation of titanium surfaces to generate nanostructure-covered spikes followed by coating with biocompatible viscous silicone polymer lubricant. After initial fluorescence-microscopy based investigation of anti-biofilm properties using static Streptococcus oralis monospecies culture and the Hanoverian oral multi-species implant flow chamber (HOBIC) model, SLIPS were integrated into the INTERbACT 3D tissue and biofilm coculture model. Here, fluorescence microscopy, histology and cytokine ELISA assays were used to analyze biofilm colonization, tissue integration and initial immune reaction, respectively.
ResultsBiocompatible SLIPS showed strong repellency for both monospecies and multispecies biofilms. Implants in the INTERbACT model exhibited reduced colonization on SLIPS modified surfaces, while connective tissue next to the functionalization was not impaired as demonstrated histologically and by cytokine expression.
ConclusionSLIPS titanium modification made by biocompatible silicone lubricant maintained its strong biofilm repellent properties even in complex in vitro models. At the same time, soft tissue still integrated in direct connection to SLIPS and did not show elevated levels of early immune response. Therefore, biocompatible SLIPS represent a promising surface modification for future clinical application.