The distribution and pro-inflammatory impact of titanium debris accumulation in the peri-implant environment

Kalra, Sonam (2014). The distribution and pro-inflammatory impact of titanium debris accumulation in the peri-implant environment. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are considered suitable group of materials to be used for biomedical implants. Ti implant materials are used in both indwelling sites such as parts of joint replacements or in sites that penetrate the epithelium such as dental implants. In both contexts, device failure which is often associated with chronic inflammation is a significant problem.

In the current thesis, advanced biophysical imaging techniques employed demonstrated accumulation and speciation of Ti ions and particles in inflamed peri-implant tissues excised from indwelling, percutaneous and transmucosal sites. Ti distributions identified in forms indicative of corrosion processes suggests that indeed Ti should be considered as a potential modifier of the peri-implant physiological processes. Evidently, neutrophils are the predominant acute inflammatory cells in percutaneous and transmucosal peri-implant sites. Therefore, an array of neutrophil immune responses (phagocytosis, respiratory burst, NETosis, cytokine secretion and chemotaxis) were studied following stimulation with Ti in forms identified in the peri-implant tissues. Finally, the modification of neutrophil immune responses to known periodontal pathogens following Ti exposures was explored. The findings strongly indicated that neutrophil responses can be modified by Ti species and further work is needed to identify the role that ‘free Ti’ has on implant outcomes.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):