Silicon nitride as a potential candidate for dental implants: Osteogenic activities and antibacterial properties

Abstract In this study, we presented that human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) showed superior adhesion and proliferation behaviors on polished silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ). Also, compared to Ti and ZrO 2 , Si 3 N 4 enhanced the osteogenic activities of hBMSCs indicated by increases in alizarin red S (ARS) staining, Ca 2+ concentration, and mRNA expression of RUNX2, OPN, OCN, and COL1. Furthermore, colony formation assays demonstrated significantly better antibacterial activities against oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), and Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) on Si 3 N 4 surface than Ti and ZrO 2 . Live/dead bacterial staining showed a large amount of dead Pg on Si 3 N 4 surfaces. The fact that Si 3 N 4 demonstrated advantages in osteogenic and antibacterial activities over Ti and ZrO 2 might be a reason for its potential use as non-metallic dental implant materials. However, more detailed studies with resolution techniques and preclinical studies are needed to confirm the Si 3 N 4 ’s osteogenic and antibacterial properties. Trial registration number PJ2019-066-001; date of registration: Jun 2019. Graphic abstract