A new study determines how adsorption might be controlled through chemical modification of the biomaterial surface and lay the groundwork for improving the success of dental implants.
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‘The interaction between the proteins contained in the biofluids plays an important role in adsorption processes.’
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Protein layer is often encountered by colonizing bacteria or attaching tissue cells. These proteins help determine the biological or pathological consequences that result in either long-term survival of the implant or its failure along with irreversible damage to the surrounding tissues from infection.
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Using silica beads designed in Müller’s lab with various chemically modified surfaces, the researchers found that the adsorption of proteins from blood plasma is more influenced by the amount of protein adsorbed than by the composition of the protein layer.
However,the adsorption of proteins from saliva was directly impacted by the biomaterial’s surface. Adsorption was lower on surfaces that had a negative electric charge or that repelled water, countering the findings of previous studies.
By connecting surface properties to protein adsorption, the optimal tissue compatibility will improve, and prevent the microbial adhesion.
The model system of chemically modified silica surfaces developed by the researchers may serve as a platform to study the basic principles of protein adsorption from complex biofluids.
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