Dental News - Nature-inspired method may advance biocompatibility of implants

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 12. July 2016

save

WAKŌ, Japan: Mimicking the adhesive properties of mussels, which are able to form a tight bond with smooth surfaces, scientists from the RIKEN research institute in Japan have successfully attached a biologically active molecule to a titanium surface, a metal used in artificial joints and dental implants, for example. Their findings may enable the development of new cell growth-enhancing materials and thus more biologically beneficial dental implants.

When it comes to functionality and compatibility, the achievements of nature are rarely matched by science. Mussels, for example, can attach tightly to almost any surface owing to a certain protein, L-dopa, which is able to bind very strongly even to smooth surfaces such as that of ceramics or metals.

Taking their inspiration from this particular feature, the Japanese scientists sought to imitate nature in order to enhance biocompatibility in medical applications. “We thought it would be interesting to try to use various techniques to attach a biologically active protein—in our case we chose insulin-like growth factor-1, a promoter of cell proliferation—to a titanium surface like those used in implants,” lead author Chen Zhang from the RIKEN Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory explained.

Using a combination of recombinant DNA technology and treatment with tyrosinase, the researchers were able to create a hybrid protein that contained active parts of both the growth factor and L-dopa. In additional experiments, the team was able to confirm that the proteins bound strongly to the titanium surface and remained attached, even when the metal was washed in phosphate-buffered saline, a water-based solution.

“This is similar to the powerful properties of mussel adhesive, which can remain fixed to metallic materials even underwater,” Zhang said. According to Dr Yoshihiro Ito, the team leader of the Emergent Bioengineering Materials Research Team of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, this universal modification process could be used with other proteins too and may allow for the production of new cell growth-enhancing materials, with potential applications in cell culture systems and regenerative medicine.

The study, titled “A bioorthogonal approach for the preparation of a titanium-binding insulin-like growth-factor-1 derivative by using tyrosinase”, was published online ahead of print on 6 July in the Angewandte Chemie International Edition journal.

To post a reply please login or register

University of Iceland may apply controversial method of dental age assessment

REYKJAVIK, Iceland: The University of Iceland (HÍ) and the Directorate of Immigration are currently finalising a work agreement on determining the age of ...

New method could prevent failure of dental implants

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., U.S.: Hydrogen embrittlement causes sudden, costly failures of metal components across a wide range of industries. Researchers from the ...

Impression of steeply angulated implants: A new method

In the present case report, a new method that allows impression taking of implants inserted at a steep angle is presented. The use of implants for the ...

Mussel-inspired substance may remineralise sensitive teeth

HEFEI, China/HONG KONG: In a new study, biomaterial scientists have found that a substance similar to the adhesive that mussels use to attach to rocks and ...

New coating method allows stronger adhesion of dental implant

SEOUL, South Korea: The history of dental implantology dates back to ancient times, yet researchers are still trying solve a number of issues, such as ...

Copying nature with 3D-printed dental implants

DUBAI, UAE: Currently, Andrew Medical, an innovative start-up company from Italy that specialises in the development and production of 3D-printed titanium ...

Nanotechnology may improve soft-tissue integration of dental implants

BRISBANE, Australia: Ensuring the formation of a solid soft-tissue seal at the dental abutment surface is crucial for protecting the underlying tissue from ...

Ivoclar and MALO CLINIC partner to advance implant dentistry and education

SCHAAN, Liechtenstein: The Ivoclar Group, a leading manufacturer of integrated solutions for high-quality dental applications, and MALO ...

Mussel-inspired compound enhances adhesion of dental filling material

HONG KONG, China: Moisture is one of the greatest challenges for dental fillings, as it reduces adhesive performance. To overcome this obstacle, researchers...

Dentistry at nanoscale: how nanotechnology advances the properties of dental implant surfaces

LEIPZIG, Germany: It is said that it is the small things that make a big difference. This applies literally to the field of nanotechnology, which over the ...

Education

Live webinar
Thu. 18 September 2025
1:00 pm EST (New York)