Protein adsorption on implant surfaces treated with atmospheric plasma

The peri-implant bone density can determine long-term maintenance of the implant osteointegration. Thus, numerous types of research have been done to increase the quality and quantity of the peri-implant alveolar bone to improve implant survival and reduce the healing period. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that implant surfaces can influence cellular response and peri-implant bone. This work aimed to evaluate the role of the implant surface in protein absorption. Biochemical analyses were performed on 80 implants, 40 sandblasted/acid-etched (C = control), and 40 sandblasted/acid-etched and treated with cold plasma (T = test). Protein absorption in C and T surfaces was 2.15 ± 0.47 mg/ml and 2.66 ± 0.48 mg/ml, respectively. The difference in protein absorption between C and T implants was statistically significant (***P < 0.001). In conclusion, since the chemical composition, shape, and size of the C and T implants were similar, we can state that the cold plasma treatment determined the differences in protein adsorption observed.