Implant functionalization with mesoporous silica: A promising antibacterial strategy, but does such an implant osseointegrate?

OBJECTIVES: New strategies for implant surface functionalization in the prevention of peri‐implantitis while not compromising osseointegration are currently explored. The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the osseointegration of a titanium‐silica composite implant, previously shown to enable controlled release of therapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine, in the Göttingen mini‐pig oral model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three implant groups were designed: macroporous titanium implants (Ti‐Porous); macroporous titanium implants infiltrated with mesoporous silica (Ti‐Porous + SiO(2)); and conventional titanium implants (Ti‐control). Mandibular last premolar and first molar teeth were extracted bilaterally and implants were installed. After 1 month healing, the bone in contact with the implant and the bone regeneration in the peri‐implant gap was evaluated histomorphometrically. RESULTS: Bone‐to‐implant contact and peri‐implant bone volume for Ti‐Porous versus Ti‐Porous + SiO(2) implants did not differ significantly, but were significantly higher in the Ti‐Control group compared with Ti‐Porous + SiO(2) implants. Functionalization of titanium implants via infiltration of a SiO(2) phase into the titanium macropores does not seem to inhibit implant osseointegration. Yet, the importance of the implant macro‐design, in particular the screw thread design in a marginal gap implant surgery set‐up, was emphasized by the outstanding results of the Ti‐Control implant. CONCLUSIONS: Next‐generation implants made of macroporous Ti infiltrated with mesoporous SiO(2) do not seem to compromise the osseointegration process. Such implant functionalization may be promising for the prevention and treatment of peri‐implantitis given the evidenced potential of mesoporous SiO(2) for controlled drug release.