Background: Soft tissue integration (STI) around dental implant abutments is a prerequisite to prevent bacterial invasion and achieve successful dental implant rehabilitation. However, peri-implant STI is a major challenge after dental abutment placement due to alterations in the immune microenvironment upon surgical dental implant installation.
Methods: Based on known immunomodulatory effects of zinc, we herein deposited zinc/chitosan/gelatin (Zn/CS/Gel) coatings onto titanium substrates to study their effect on macrophages.
Complex health challenges require professionals to operate across disciplines and to better connect with society. Here, we showcase a community-engaged and challenge-based educational model in which undergraduate students conduct transdisciplinary research on authentic complex biomedical problems. This concept reinforces translational medicine, human capital, and exemplifies synergy between education, research, healthcare, and society.
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