Race to the surface: modelling bacterial and human cell growth on dental implant surfaces

Abstract

Two barriers to successful dental implant surgery are (1) the possibility of infection and (2) poor compatibility with native human cells. The mouth is colonised by millions of bacteria, living in communities called biofilms. Human cells in the mouth are in competition with these bacteria to occupy the implant surface. Infection can result in the need for implant removal, which is both costly and very painful. New materials for implants are continuously being developed, but are not making it into clinics. Testing innovative materials is challenging due to the highly complex oral environment. We are combining models of oral tissue with bacterial biofilms, to better understand how we can help human cells win the 'race to the surface'.