Construction And Application Of A Peri-Implant Tissue-On-Chip

This study aimed to develop a a biomimetic microfluidic model of peri-implant soft tissue, recapitulating basement membrane formation and enabling investigation of oral inflammation, immune responses, and tissue regeneration. In a single-channel microfluidic chamber, we assembled a matrix gel containing gingival fibroblasts, followed by the adhesion of the epithelial cell layer to exposed collagen, creating a structure with top and subepithelial channels. We evaluated its structural integrity, including keratin formation and barrier function tests, and found that the system maintained stability for over two weeks. In addition, we employed the commonly used LPS stimulation model to assess the response of the oral microenvironment to typical challenges encountered therein. This microfluidic model successfully replicates peri-implant soft tissue, featuring well-differentiated epithelial layers (basal, spinous, granular, keratinized) and specific markers (CK19, loricrin, filaggrin). The basement membrane shows distinct structure with intact hemidesmosomes and moderate laminin/integrin α6β4 expression. LPS stimulation induces IL-2/IL-8 release, validating the model's ability to mimic peri-implant mucositis and its utility for assessing soft tissue regeneration factors. The microfluidic peri-implant soft tissue chip model established in this study faithfully replicates the functionality of oral mucosal tissue in vitro. Its pump-based physiological system allows for easy expansion to multi-channel formats, offering potential for high-throughput testing and investigation of oral microenvironment challenges. This model provides a valuable platform for studying inflammation and tissue regeneration in the peri-implant environment, potentially accelerating the development of new therapeutic strategies.