Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid/MicroRNA-21 Nanoparticle-Coated Smooth Titanium Surfaces Promote the Functionality of Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Purpose: Forming a compact biological seal between the gingiva and the implant interface around the percutaneous parts of an implant is one of the key issues in preventing peri-implantitis.Methods: In this study, since microRNA-21 (miR-21) has been approved to promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen formation in skin fibrosis, we prepared miR-21-loaded chitosan (CS)/tripolyphosphate (TPP)/hyaluronic acid (HA) nanoparticles (CTH NPs) and cross-linked them to smooth Ti surfaces with 0.2% gel solution for reverse transfection, after which isolated human gingival fibroblasts were cultured on the miR-21-functionalized Ti substrates.Results: An optimal CS:TPP:HA ratio (1:0.15:0.1) and N/P ratio (20:1) were chosen to produce appropriate nanoparticles. Finally, the CTH/ miR-21 nanoparticle-coated smooth Ti surfaces demonstrated increased fibroblast adhesion, proliferation and expression of extracellular matrix-related genes along with similar cytotoxicity and cell spreading on the miR-21-functionalized Ti surface and the unmodified smooth Ti surface.Conclusion: The chitosan-based nanoparticles might be an efficient nonviral miRNA vector to form a stable biological seal in percutaneous areas of Ti for clinical use.

Automated summary

In this study, miR-21-loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles were prepared and formed a stable biological seal on titanium surfaces. The miR-21-functionalized titanium surface enhanced fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and expression of extracellular matrix-related genes.