Peri-implant gingival tissue integration (GTI) plays a pivotal role in the success and functionality of dental implants, serving as a crucial barrier against oral bacterial invasion and safeguarding the integrity of the alveolar bone, thereby contributing to long-term implant survival. Therefore, various strategies, including topographic modifications and surface coatings, have been proposed to enhance peri-implant GTI. For example, coatings functionalized with bioactive ions have gained considerable research interest due to their inherent stability and cost-effectiveness when compared to biologically sensitive biomolecules such as growth factors or antibiotics. Therefore, this thesis focuses on developing EPD coatings, aiming at improving the integration of dental implants within the surrounding gingival tissue, aiming to advance the field towards improved clinical outcomes and patient welfare.
Jing Han was born on 28th June 1993 in Shandong, China. From 1st October 2019, she worked as a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud University Medical Center. Her project is focused on the development of multifunctional coatings containing bioactive ions to optimize cellular responses surrounding dental abutments and exert antibacterial efficacy during peri-implant gingival tissue integration.