Ultraviolet light-functionalized TiO ₂ nanotubes for enhancing antibacterial properties and soft tissue integration of titanium implants

Peri-implantitis, a leading cause of dental implant failure, is primarily attributed to suboptimal soft tissue sealing at the implant-tissue interface, which facilitates bacterial colonization and subsequent inflammatory responses. Surface modifications on titanium can expedite good soft tissue sealing and antibacterial action. We engineer titanium surfaces with ultraviolet light-functionalized titanium dioxide nanotubes (UV-TNTs) to achieve good soft tissue sealing and antibacterial effect. Surface properties were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface roughness analysis, wettability assessment and methylene blue (MB) degradation. Antibacterial performance was quantified using <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (<i>S. aureus</i>) and <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. coli</i>) viability assays. Soft tissue integration was evaluated through fibroblast proliferation assays and immunofluorescence staining of vinculin and collagen type I. The UV-TNTs demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy and promoted fibroblast proliferation, adhesion and collagen deposition to improve soft tissue sealing. This surface modification strategy offers a promising approach for enhancing implant biocompatibility and long-term stability, offering useful references for advanced implant design and fabrication.