Photothermal modulation of gingival fibroblasts via polydopamine-coated zirconia: A novel approach for promoting peri-implant soft tissue integration
Abstract
Achieving robust soft tissue integration around dental implants is crucial for long-term clinical success, as it forms a protective biological seal against bacterial invasion. However, the soft tissue attachment to implants is relatively deficient compared to natural teeth, particularly in the connective tissue region lacking sufficient gingival fibroblasts and collagen fiber alignment. This study proposed an innovative strategy to enhance peri‑implant soft tissue integration by modulating gingival fibroblast behavior via photothermal conversion. Zirconia surfaces were coated with polydopamine (PDA), a melanin-like polymer exhibiting near-infrared (NIR) absorption for photothermal conversion. Under NIR irradiation, the PDA coating enabled mild hyperthermia (42-43 °C) on the zirconia surface. Remarkably, this mild photothermal stimulation significantly promoted human gingival fibroblast proliferation, adhesion, and collagen production compared to unmodified zirconia in vitro. By utilizing the photothermal properties of PDA coatings to modulate cellular behaviors beneficial for connective tissue formation, this approach provides a promising avenue to achieve improved soft tissue integration and long-term stability of dental implants. The findings highlight the innovative potential of combining biomaterial surface engineering with photothermal therapy for applications in implant dentistry.
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These studies support the roles of PDA in improving wet adhesion, cell attachment, antioxidative protection, and localized drug delivery.
“These studies support the roles of PDA in improving wet adhesion, cell attachment, antioxidative protection, and localized drug delivery.5,59”
From Polydopamine-Based Biomaterials in Oral Medicine: Applications, Mechanisms, and Translational Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [59]
Cell culture, antibacterial adhesion assays, and mucosal/wound healing models indicate that PDA-based coatings or hydrogels can improve wet adhesion, antioxidative protection, localized drug delivery, inflammation regulation, and wound healing.
“Cell culture, antibacterial adhesion assays, and mucosal/wound healing models indicate that PDA-based coatings or hydrogels can improve wet adhesion, antioxidative protection, localized drug delivery, inflammation regulation, and wound healing.”
From Polydopamine-Based Biomaterials in Oral Medicine: Applications, Mechanisms, and Translational Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [59]
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“5,59 However, the level of evidence remains largely preclinical.”
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- Authors
- Wang, Y., Zhang, J., Yu, H., Ding, N., Ma, P., & Zeng, B.
- Affiliations
- Capital Medical University (CN)
- Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Zeng, Baijin
- Venue
- Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2024-09
- Volume
- 125
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 101925
- ISSN
- 2468-7855 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4399095377
- Cited by
- 5
- References
- 37
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 2
- FWCI
- 2.14
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Stomatology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Capital Medical University (YSP202009, YSP202301)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Oral Surgery › Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Bone Tissue Engineering Materials
- Health Sciences › Dentistry › Orthodontics › Dental materials and restorations
- Keywords
- photothermal therapy, polydopamine coating, zirconia implants, gingival fibroblasts, dental implants, near-infrared irradiation, hyperthermia, collagen synthesis, connective tissue attachment
- MeSH terms
- Photothermal Therapy, Cell Adhesion, Cells, Cultured, Collagen, Fibroblasts, Gingiva, Humans, Indoles, Polymers, Surface Properties, Zirconium, Dental Implants, Coated Materials, Biocompatible, Cell Proliferation
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