Fibroblast Morphology, Adhesion, and Extracellular Matrix Secretion in Columnar Microarray Hydroxyapatite

Abstract

Biomimetic dental implants mimicking the columnar structure and biomechanics of natural enamel have been extensively studied. However, fibrointegration, a process essential for implant stability, remains largely underexplored. This study investigated the adhesion of NIH3T3 fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion on hydroxyapatite (HAp) ceramic bodies with a columnar microarray architecture. Scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analyses revealed dendritic fibroblast morphology, with protrusions penetrating and anchoring to parallel-aligned HAp pillars. ECM infiltration and fibrous structures along the pillars were also observed. These findings suggest that the enamel-like structure enhances fibrointegration, potentially reducing the risk of implant failure.

Keywords: ECM secretion; Hydroxyapatite; columnar microarray; enamel-like structure; fibroblast; focal adhesion; glutamic acid.