Adsorption of salivary proteins onto prosthetic titanium components.

In vivo adsorption of salivary proteins onto prosthetic titanium components was analyzed after exposure of titanium abutments to the oral environment for a period of 2 to 6 weeks. Gel electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting were used to separate and identify the proteins, which were mainly alpha-amylase and serum albumin. Selective adsorption of proteins enables attachment of specific oral bacteria and thus may alter the composition of the dental plaque formed on titanium surfaces.