Photofunctionalization as a suitable approach to improve the osseointegration of implants in animal models-A systematic review and meta-analysis

Beyond microroughness: novel approaches to navigate osteoblast activity on implant surfaces

Considering the biological activity of osteoblasts is crucial when devising new approaches to enhance the osseointegration of implant surfaces, as their behavior profoundly influences clinical outcomes. An established inverse correlation exists between osteoblast proliferation and their functional differentiation, which constrains the rapid generation of a significant amount of bone. Examining the surface morphology of implants reveals that roughened titanium surfaces facilitate rapid but thin bone formation, whereas smooth, machined surfaces promote greater volumes of bone formation albeit at a slower pace. Consequently, osteoblasts differentiate faster on roughened surfaces but at the expense of proliferation speed. Moreover, the attachment and initial spreading behavior of osteoblasts are notably compromised on microrough surfaces. This review delves into our current understanding and recent advances in nanonodular texturing, meso-scale texturing, and UV photofunctionalization as potential strategies to address the "biological dilemma" of osteoblast kinetics, aiming to improve the quality and quantity of osseointegration. We discuss how these topographical and physicochemical strategies effectively mitigate and even overcome the dichotomy of osteoblast behavior and the biological challenges posed by microrough surfaces. Indeed, surfaces modified with these strategies exhibit enhanced recruitment, attachment, spread, and proliferation of osteoblasts compared to smooth surfaces, while maintaining or amplifying the inherent advantage of cell differentiation. These technology platforms suggest promising avenues for the development of future implants.

Nanofeatured surfaces in dental implants: contemporary insights and impending challenges

Dental implant therapy, established as standard-of-care nearly three decades ago with the advent of microrough titanium surfaces, revolutionized clinical outcomes through enhanced osseointegration. However, despite this pivotal advancement, challenges persist, including prolonged healing times, restricted clinical indications, plateauing success rates, and a notable incidence of peri-implantitis. This review explores the biological merits and constraints of microrough surfaces and evaluates the current landscape of nanofeatured dental implant surfaces, aiming to illuminate strategies for addressing existing impediments in implant therapy. Currently available nanofeatured dental implants incorporated nano-structures onto their predecessor microrough surfaces. While nanofeature integration into microrough surfaces demonstrates potential for enhancing early-stage osseointegration, it falls short of surpassing its predecessors in terms of osseointegration capacity. This discrepancy may be attributed, in part, to the inherent "dichotomy kinetics" of osteoblasts, wherein increased surface roughness by nanofeatures enhances osteoblast differentiation but concomitantly impedes cell attachment and proliferation. We also showcase a controllable, hybrid micro-nano titanium model surface and contrast it with commercially-available nanofeatured surfaces. Unlike the commercial nanofeatured surfaces, the controllable micro-nano hybrid surface exhibits superior potential for enhancing both cell differentiation and proliferation. Hence, present nanofeatured dental implants represent an evolutionary step from conventional microrough implants, yet they presently lack transformative capacity to surmount existing limitations. Further research and development endeavors are imperative to devise optimized surfaces rooted in fundamental science, thereby propelling technological progress in the field.

Optimizing implant osseointegration, soft tissue responses, and bacterial inhibition: A comprehensive narrative review on the multifaceted approach of the UV photofunctionalization of titanium

Titanium implants have revolutionized restorative and reconstructive therapy, yet achieving optimal osseointegration and ensuring long-term implant success remain persistent challenges. In this review, we explore a cutting-edge approach to enhancing implant properties: ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization. By harnessing UV energy, photofunctionalization rejuvenates aging implants, leveraging and often surpassing the intrinsic potential of titanium materials. The primary aim of this narrative review is to offer an updated perspective on the advancements made in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of recent findings and exploring the relationship between UV-induced physicochemical alterations and cellular responses. There is now compelling evidence of significant transformations in titanium surface chemistry induced by photofunctionalization, transitioning from hydrocarbon-rich to carbon pellicle-free surfaces, generating superhydrophilic surfaces, and modulating the electrostatic properties. These changes are closely associated with improved cellular attachment, spreading, proliferation, differentiation, and, ultimately, osseointegration. Additionally, we discuss clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of UV photofunctionalization in accelerating and enhancing the osseointegration of dental implants. Furthermore, we delve into recent advancements, including the development of one-minute vacuum UV (VUV) photofunctionalization, which addresses the limitations of conventional UV methods as well as the newly discovered functions of photofunctionalization in modulating soft tissue and bacterial interfaces. By elucidating the intricate relationship between surface science and biology, this body of research lays the groundwork for innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the clinical performance of titanium implants, marking a new era in implantology.

Long-term effectiveness of UV functionalised short (≤ 6 mm) dental implants placed in the posterior segments of the atrophied maxilla: controlled case series

This study evaluated long-term effectiveness UV functionalised short implants (≤ 6 mm) placed in the posterior segments of the atrophied maxilla. The study included 47 patients from 2018 to 2023 (aged 27 to 56 years, 24 women and 23 men) without any systemic diseases, with unilateral/bilateral missing teeth and vertical atrophy of the posterior maxillary area. Total installed were 64 short UV-functionalized implants and 62 standard implants over 10 mm in length in segments maxilla with sufficient bone parameters. Clinical, laboratory and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) methods were used to plan implant therapy. The clinical indices included the following parameters: ISQ, MBL, OHIP-G scale. For short implants, the median ISQ at placement was 62.2 for primary stability and the median ISQ at 5 months was 69.6 ISQ. For standard implant, the mean ISQ at placement was 64.3 ISQ, and ISQ after 5 months was 71.6 ISQ. After 6 months mean MBL short implants 0.87 mm, after 1 year 1.13 mm, after 5 years was 1.48 mm. After 6 months mean MBL standard implants 0.84 mm, after 1 year 1.24 mm, after 5 years was 1.58 mm. Mean OHIP-G scores-patients satisfaction with the implant at 4.8 ± 0.3, satisfaction with the operation 4.6 ± 0.4; satisfaction with prosthetics 4.7 ± 0.5. Cumulative success rate 5 years short implants was 96.7%, standard implants was 97.4%, and prosthesis cumulative survival rate was 97.2%. Short ultraviolet functionalized implants used in the posterior resorbed segment of maxilla have been shown to be a reliable alternative to sinus lift, demonstrating fewer complications, reduction in the number of additional surgical interventions and showed satisfactory long-term survival.

Comparative Efficacy of Endogenous Stem Cells Recruiting Hydrogels and Stem Cell-loaded Hydrogels in Knee Cartilage Regeneration: A Meta- analysis

BACKGROUND

Cartilage defects remain a challenge in diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and fractures. Scientists have explored the use of hydrogels in conjunction with stem cell technology as a tissue engineering method to treat cartilage defects in joints. In recent years, research into hydrogels containing stem cell technology for cartilage repair has mainly focused on two categories: stem cell-loaded hydrogels and endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels. The latter, utilizing cell-free products, represents a novel concept with several advantages, including easier dose standardization, wider sources, and simpler storage. This meta-analysis aims to assess and compare the therapeutic effects of endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels and stem cell-loaded hydrogels in promoting articular cartilage regeneration in animal models, with the goal of exploring endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels as a promising replacement therapy for knee cartilage regeneration in preclinical animal studies.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase until January 2023 using key words related to stem cells, cartilage regeneration and hydrogel. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect on newborn cartilage formation. Stratified analyses were also carried out by independently classifying trials according to similar characteristics. The level of evidence was determined using the GRADE method.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Comprehensive analyses revealed that the use of endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels significantly promoted the formation of new cartilage in the knee joint, as evidenced by the histological score (3.77, 95% CI 2.40, 5.15; p < 0.0001) and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) macroscopic score (3.00, 95% CI 1.83, 4.18; p = 0.04), compared with the control group. The stem cell-loaded hydrogels also increased cartilage regeneration in the knee with the histological score (3.13, 95% CI 2.22, 4.04; p = 0.02) and the ICRS macroscopic score (2.49, 95% CI 1.16, 3.82; p = 0.03) in comparison to the control. Significant heterogeneity between studies was observed, and further stratified and sensitivity analyses identified the transplant site and modelling method as the sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The current study indicates that both endogenous stem cell recruiting hydrogels and stem cell loaded hydrogels can effectively promote knee joint cartilage regeneration in animal trials.

Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Light Photofunctionalization to Induce Human Oral Fibroblast Transmigration on Zirconia

Soft tissue adhesion and sealing around dental and maxillofacial implants, related prosthetic components, and crowns are a clinical imperative to prevent adverse outcomes of periodontitis and periimplantitis. Zirconia is often used to fabricate implant components and crowns. Here, we hypothesized that UV treatment of zirconia would induce unique behaviors in fibroblasts that favor the establishment of a soft tissue seal. Human oral fibroblasts were cultured on zirconia specimens to confluency before placing a second zirconia specimen (either untreated or treated with one minute of 172 nm vacuum UV (VUV) light) next to the first specimen separated by a gap of 150 µm. After seven days of culture, fibroblasts only transmigrated onto VUV-treated zirconia, forming a 2.36 mm volume zone and 5.30 mm leading edge. Cells migrating on VUV-treated zirconia were enlarged, with robust formation of multidirectional cytoplastic projections, even on day seven. Fibroblasts were also cultured on horizontally placed and 45° and 60° tilted zirconia specimens, with the latter configurations compromising initial attachment and proliferation. However, VUV treatment of zirconia mitigated the negative impact of tilting, with higher tilt angles increasing the difference in cellular behavior between control and VUV-treated specimens. Fibroblast size, perimeter, and diameter on day seven were greater than on day one exclusively on VUV-treated zirconia. VUV treatment reduced surface elemental carbon and induced superhydrophilicity, confirming the removal of the hydrocarbon pellicle. Similar effects of VUV treatment were observed on glazed zirconia specimens with silica surfaces. One-minute VUV photofunctionalization of zirconia and silica therefore promotes human oral fibroblast attachment and proliferation, especially under challenging culture conditions, and induces specimen-to-specimen transmigration and sustainable photofunctionalization for at least seven days.

Influence of Surface Contaminants and Hydrocarbon Pellicle on the Results of Wettability Measurements of Titanium

Hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity-or wettability-is a key surface characterization metric for titanium used in dental and orthopedic implants. However, the effects of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity on biological capability remain uncertain, and the relationships between surface wettability and other surface parameters, such as topography and chemistry, are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify determinants of surface wettability of titanium and establish the reliability and validity of the assessment. Wettability was evaluated as the contact angle of ddH2O. The age of titanium specimens significantly affected the contact angle, with acid-etched, microrough titanium surfaces becoming superhydrophilic immediately after surface processing, hydrophobic after 7 days, and hydrorepellent after 90 days. Similar age-related loss of hydrophilicity was also confirmed on sandblasted supra-micron rough surfaces so, regardless of surface topography, titanium surfaces eventually become hydrophobic or hydrorepellent with time. On age-standardized titanium, surface roughness increased the contact angle and hydrophobicity. UV treatment of titanium regenerated the superhydrophilicity regardless of age or surface roughness, with rougher surfaces becoming more superhydrophilic than machined surfaces after UV treatment. Conditioning titanium surfaces by autoclaving increased the hydrophobicity of already-hydrophobic surfaces, whereas conditioning with 70% alcohol and hydrating with water or saline attenuated pre-existing hydrophobicity. Conversely, when titanium surfaces were superhydrophilic like UV-treated ones, autoclaving and alcohol cleaning turned the surfaces hydrorepellent and hydrophobic, respectively. UV treatment recovered hydrophilicity without exception. In conclusion, surface roughness accentuates existing wettability and can either increase or decrease the contact angle. Titanium must be age-standardized when evaluating surface wettability. Surface conditioning techniques significantly but unpredictably affect existing wettability. These implied that titanium wettability is significantly influenced by the hydrocarbon pellicle and other contaminants inevitably accumulated. UV treatment may be an effective strategy to standardize wettability by making all titanium surfaces superhydrophilic, thereby allowing the characterization of individual surface topography and chemistry parameters in future studies.

Contour Analysis of Three-Dimensional Peri-Implant Mucosal Model as an Endpoint Analysis of Photofunctionalization Effects on Implant Abutment Materials

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of photofunctionalization on the soft-tissue contour formed at the interface of various abutment materials using end-point analyses obtained from the three-dimensional oral mucosal model (3D-OMMs).

METHODS

Commercially pure titanium (CPTi), alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ), and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) made into discs shapes were classified into two groups: UV-treated (PTx) and non-treated (NTx). The materials in PTx groups were exposed to UV light for 12 min. Human gingival fibroblasts and TR146 epithelial cell lines co-cultured on the acellular dermal membrane were used to construct the 3D-OMM. After 4 days of culture, the discs were inserted into the holes prepared within the membrane of 3D-OMMs. The contour formed by the tissue was evaluated after 14 days of culture.

RESULTS

The UV treatment of abutment materials resulted in the formation of more non-pocket-tissue types among the PTx group (p = 0.002). Of all materials tested, soft tissue contour around YSZ showed higher scores for the non-pocket type in both non- and UV-treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-pocket type of tissue attachment was frequently found in all surfaces modified by photofunctionalization, particularly zirconia. The 3D-OMM can be used to evaluate the biological endpoints of implant surface modifications.

Photobiomodulation-Based Synergic Effects of Pt-Coated TiO2 Nanotubes and 850 nm Near-Infrared Irradiation on the Osseointegration Enhancement: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is known to have the potential to improve bone regeneration after implant surgery. However, the combinatory effect of the nanotextured implant and PBM therapy on osseointegration has not yet been proved. This study evaluated the photobiomodulation-based synergistic effects of Pt-coated titania nanotubes (Pt-TiO₂ NT) and 850 nm near-infrared (NIR) light on osteogenic performance in vitro and in vivo. The FE-SEM and the diffuse UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer were used to perform the surface characterization. The live-dead, MTT, ALP, and AR assays were tested to perform in vitro tests. The removal torque testing, the 3D-micro CT, and the histological analysis were used to conduct in vivo tests. The live-dead and MTT assay resulted in Pt-TiO₂ NTs being biocompatible. The ALP activity and AR assays demonstrated that the combination of Pt-TiO₂ NT and NIR irradiation significantly enhanced osteogenic functionality (p < 0.05). The results of in vivo test, employing the removal torque testing, the 3D-micro CT, and histological analysis, showed overall improved outcomes; however, no significant difference was observed between the control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). Therefore, we confirmed the possibility of the combination of Pt-TiO₂ NT and NIR light as a promising technology for implant surgery in dentistry.

Response of Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Porphyromonas gingivalis to UVC-Activated Titanium Surfaces

Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization has been demonstrated to synergistically improve the osteoblast response and reduce biofilm formation on titanium (Ti) surfaces. However, it remains obscure how photofunctionalization affects soft tissue integration and microbial adhesion on the transmucosal part of a dental implant. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UVC (100–280 nm) pretreatment on the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. g.) to Ti-based implant surfaces. The smooth and anodized nano-engineered Ti-based surfaces were triggered by UVC irradiation, respectively. The results showed that both smooth and nano-surfaces acquired super hydrophilicity without structural alteration after UVC photofunctionalization. UVC-activated smooth surfaces enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of HGFs compared to the untreated smooth ones. Regarding the anodized nano-engineered surfaces, UVC pretreatment weakened the fibroblast attachment but had no adverse effects on proliferation and the related gene expression. Additionally, both Ti-based surfaces could effectively inhibit P. g. adhesion after UVC irradiation. Therefore, the UVC photofunctionalization could be more potentially favorable to synergistically improve the fibroblast response and inhibit P. g. adhesion on the smooth Ti-based surfaces.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Photofunctionalized Implant Surfaces in a High-Glucose Microenvironment Simulating Diabetics

The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of photofunctionalization on commercially available dental implant surfaces in a high-glucose environment. Discs of three commercially available implant surfaces were selected with various nano- and microstructural alterations (Group 1—laser-etched implant surface, Group 2—titanium–zirconium alloy surface, Group 3—air-abraded, large grit, acid-etched surface). They were subjected to photo-functionalization through UV irradiation for 60 and 90 min. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze the implant surface chemical composition before and after photo-functionalization. The growth and bioactivity of MG63 osteoblasts in the presence of photofunctionalized discs was assessed in cell culture medium containing elevated glucose concentration. The normal osteoblast morphology and spreading behavior were assessed under fluorescence and phase-contrast microscope. MTT (3-(4,5 Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and alizarin red assay were performed to assess the osteoblastic cell viability and mineralization efficiency. Following photofunctionalization, all three implant groups exhibited a reduced carbon content, conversion of Ti4+ to Ti3+, increased osteoblastic adhesion, viability, and increased mineralization. The best osteoblastic adhesion in the medium with increased glucose was seen in Group 3. Photofunctionalization altered the implant surface chemistry by reducing the surface carbon content, probably rendering the surfaces more hydrophilic and conducive for osteoblastic adherence and subsequent mineralization in high-glucose environment.

Effect of photofunctionalization on titanium bone-implant integration in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis is considered a risk factor for osseointegration during implant treatment. Photofunctionalization of titanium has been shown to improve bone-based cell adhesion, proliferation, and functional expression, increasing the bone-implant contact rate and bone-implant integration strength. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that photofunctionalization is effective for implant fixation using an osteoporosis rat model. In the biomechanical push-in test, the bone-implant integration strength of the photofunctionalization treatment group was 1.53 times that of the control group (p<0.05). These values implied that photofunctionalization restored the ovariectomy-induced low bone-implant integration strength to normal states. In the micro-CT analysis, the BV/TV of the photofunctionalization treatment group was 1.32 times that of the control group (p<0.05). These values implied that photofunctionalization restored the ovariectomy-induced low peri-implant bone formation to normal states. These results indicate that photofunctionalization treatment increased peri-implant bone formation and bone-implant integration strength in ovariectomized rats.

Decomposing Organic Molecules on Titanium with Vacuum Ultraviolet Light for Effective and Rapid Photofunctionalization

Ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization counteracts the biological aging of titanium to increase the bioactivity and osseointegration of titanium implants. However, UV photofunctionalization currently requires long treatment times of between 12 min and 48 h, precluding routine clinical use. Here, we tested the ability of a novel, xenon excimer lamp emitting 172 nm vacuum UV (VUV) to decompose organic molecules coated on titanium as a surrogate of photofunctionalization. Methylene blue as a model organic molecule was coated on grade 4 commercially pure titanium and treated with four UV light sources: (i) ultraviolet C (UVC), (ii) high-energy UVC (HUVC), (iii) proprietary UV (PUV), and (iv) VUV. After one minute of treatment, VUV decomposed 57% of methylene blue compared with 2%, 36%, and 42% for UVC, HUVC, and PUV, respectively. UV dose-dependency testing revealed maximal methylene blue decomposition with VUV within one minute. Equivalent decomposition was observed on grade 5 titanium alloy specimens, and placing titanium specimens in quartz ampoules did not compromise efficacy. Methylene blue was decomposed even on polymethyl methacrylate acrylic specimens at 20-25% lower efficiency than on titanium specimens, indicating a relatively small contribution of titanium dioxide-mediated photocatalytic decomposition to the total decomposition. Load-testing revealed that VUV maintained high efficacy of methylene blue decomposition regardless of the coating density, whereas other UV light sources showed low efficacy with thin coatings and plateauing efficacy with thicker coatings. This study provides foundational data on rapid and efficient VUV-mediated organic decomposition on titanium. In synergy with quartz ampoules used as containers, VUV has the potential to overcome current technical challenges hampering the clinical application of UV photofunctionalization.

Clinical Effects of Photofunctionalization on Implant Stability and Marginal Bone Loss: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several clinical trials have recently been conducted to elucidate the effectiveness of photofunctionalization. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the clinical effects of photofunctionalization on implant stability and marginal bone loss (MBL).

METHODS

An electronic search in four databases and a manual search were conducted in September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical controlled trials (CCTs), and cohort and case-control studies evaluating the effects of photofunctionalization on implant stability or marginal bone loss (MBL) in humans were included. The methodological quality assessment using RoB 2.0 and the ROBINS-I tool was performed based on different study designs.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included for a qualitative analysis, and five of them were chosen for a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that photofunctionalization significantly improved the stability of the implant 2 months after implantation (p = 0.04; MD = 3.48; 95% CI = -0.23 to 6.73) and increased the osseointegration speed index (OSI) (p = 0.007; MD = 2.13; 95% CI = 0.57 to 3.68). However, no significant improvements of implant stability were observed 2 weeks (p = 0.62), 4 weeks (p = 0.31), nor 4 months (p = 0.24) after implantation. The evaluation presented no significant reductions in MBL.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the positive effect of photofunctionalization on the rate of establishing implant stability, photofunctionalization may provide an effective and practical strategy to achieve faster osseointegration and reduce the overall healing time. Photofunctionalization appears to improve the implant stability. However, the clinical effect of photofunctionalization on MBL remains unclear due to the shortage of available studies.

Clinical Applications of Photofunctionalization on Dental Implant Surfaces: A Narrative Review

Dental implant therapy is a common clinical procedure for the restoration of missing teeth. Many methods have been used to promote osseointegration for successful implant therapy, including photofunctionalization (PhF), which is defined as the modification of titanium surfaces after ultraviolet treatment. It includes the alteration of the physicochemical properties and the enhancement of biological capabilities, which can alter the surface wettability and eliminate hydrocarbons from the implant surface by a biological aging process. PhF can also enhance cellular migration, attachment, and proliferation, thereby promoting osseointegration and coronal soft tissue seal. However, PhF did not overcome the dental implant challenge of oral cancer cases. It is necessary to have more clinical trials focused on complex implant cases and non-dental fields in the future.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2020 professional literature in restorative dentistry to inform busy dentists regarding noteworthy scientific and clinical progress over the past year. Each member of the committee brings discipline-specific expertise to this work to cover this broad topic. Specific subject areas addressed include prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; implant dentistry; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs); sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence day-to-day dental treatment decisions with a keen eye on future trends in the profession. With the tremendous volume of dentistry and related literature being published today, this review cannot possibly be comprehensive. The purpose is to update interested readers and provide important resource material for those interested in pursuing greater detail. It remains our intent to assist colleagues in navigating the extensive volume of important information being published annually. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in successfully managing the dental patients they encounter.

An In-Vitro Analysis of Peri-Implant Mucosal Seal Following Photofunctionalization of Zirconia Abutment Materials

The presence of epithelial and connective tissue attachment at the peri-implant-soft tissue region has been demonstrated to provide a biological barrier of the alveolar bone from the oral environment. This barrier can be improved via surface modification of implant abutment materials. The effect of photofunctionalization on creating a bioactive surface for the enhancement of the epithelial and connective tissue attachment of zirconia implant abutment's peri-implant mucosal interface using organotypic model has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the soft tissue seal around peri-implant mucosa and to understand the effect of photofunctionalization on the abutment materials. Three types of abutment materials were used in this study; yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), alumina-toughened zirconia, and grade 2 commercially pure titanium (CPTi) which were divided into nontreated (N-Tx) and photofunctionalized group (UV-Tx). The three-dimensional peri-implant mucosal model was constructed using primary human gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts co-cultured on the acellular dermal membrane. The biological seal was determined through the concentration of tritiated water permeating the material-soft tissue interface. The biological seal formed by the soft tissue in the N-Tx group was significantly reduced compared to the UV-treated group (p < 0.001), with YSZ exhibiting the lowest permeability among all materials. Photofunctionalization of implant abutment materials improved the biological seal of the surrounding soft tissue peri-implant interface.