Modification of type I collagen on TiO2 surface using electrochemical deposition

Titanium (Ti) abutment is a supporting structure of dental implant which anchors and provides retention for fixed or removable tooth restoration. However, bio-inert property of Ti leaves the soft tissue to detach from the abutment, partly leading to implant failure. Meanwhile previous studies have mainly focused on enhancing the osseointegration of Ti implant, the dislocation and imbalance of dental implant still occur since the connective tissue defect at the abutment. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between fibroblast and the modified Ti in which type 1 collagen (Col-1) was modified on Ti surface. Ti/Col-1 modification was performed by electrochemical deposition (ECD) based on the polyelectrolyte property of Col-1 and conductivity of Ti under electric field. Parameters optimized for ECD were investigated including Col-1 concentration, pH of electrolyte, and deposition potential. Fibroblast's cell adhesion/spreading, and cell viability/proliferation assays were analyzed between the coated Ti/Col-1 with optimized ECD conditions and uncoated Ti. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation indicated that Col-1 was modified successfully on Ti while fibroblast cell adhered and proliferated well in Ti/Col-1 compared with the uncoated Ti. This study suggested the influence of Col-1 modification on the attachment of fibroblast cells around the Ti abutment.