Zn-doped Coating Impact on the Titanium Salivary Pellicle

Teeth loss significantly impacts the quality of life of over 700 million individuals and is commonly addressed with implant-supported prostheses. Dental implants face biological and microbiological challenges, leading to potential infectious diseases and implant loss. Proteins from blood and saliva adhere to implant surfaces, influencing subsequent biological interactions crucial for implant success. These proteins quality and quantity (proteomic profile) are vital for osseointegration, while also serve as active binding sites for microbial adhesion. Zinc incorporation onto implant surfaces shows promise in enhancing biological response and reducing microbial colonization. However, the effect of zinc-doped coatings on protein adsorption remains unknown. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the proteomic profile of salivary and blood plasma protein layers formed on both control and zinc-doped coatings, as well as the proteomic profile of biofilms formed on these surfaces. This research could provide innovative solutions in oral healthcare by reducing peri-implant diseases and improving implant success rates by offering implants with enhanced biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, it fosters knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and multicultural contact among participating institutions, enriching interdisciplinary collaboration. In essence, this research holds significant promise for innovative solutions in oral healthcare, improving clinical outcomes, and developing highly trained human resources.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eduardo Moffa

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Estadual de Campinas

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: