Effect of 3D microgroove surface topography on plasma and cellular fibronectin of human gingival fibroblasts

Abstract Objectives Fibronectin (FN), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is a key factor in the compatibility of dental implant materials. Our objective was to determine the optimal dimensions of microgrooves in the transmucosal part of a dental implant, for optimal absorption of plasma FN and expression of cellular FN by human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods Microgroove titanium surfaces were fabricated by photolithography with parallel grooves: 15 μm, 30 μm, or 60 μm in width and 5 μm or 10 μm in depth. Smooth titanium surfaces were used as controls. Surface hydrophilicity, plasma FN adsorption and cellular FN expression by HGFs were measured for both microgroove and control samples. Results We found that narrower and deeper microgrooves amplified surface hydrophobicity. A 15-μm wide microgroove was the most hydrophobic surface and a 60-μm wide microgroove was the most hydrophilic. The latter had more expression of cellular FN than any other surface, but less absorption of plasma FN than 15-μm wide microgrooves. Variation in microgroove depth did not appear to effect FN absorption or expression unless the groove was narrow (∼15 or 30 μm). In those instances, the shallower depths resulted in greater expression of cellular FN. Conclusions Our microgrooves improved expression of cellular FN, which functionally compensated for plasma FN. A microgroove width of 60 μm and depth of 5 or 10 μm appears to be optimal for the transmucosal part of the dental implant.