Microbial and functional profiling of peri-implantitis biofilm from explanted dental implants in Korean patients
This study analyzed the microbial composition and functional characteristics of biofilms collected directly from explanted implant surfaces due to peri-implantitis and compared them with subgingival plaque from healthy controls. A total of 41 samples (peri-implantitis n=19, healthy controls n=22) were obtained from the Apple Tree Oral Biobank in South Korea. The V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform, and ASVs were generated using DADA2 pipeline. The results revealed distinct microbial community structures between peri-implantitis and healthy groups. Beyond well-known periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Filifactor alocis), the peri-implantitis group exhibited significant increases in sulfate-reducing bacteria (Desulfobulbus, Desulfovibrio) and emerging pathogens ([Eubacterium] nodatum group, [Eubacterium] saphenum group, Phocaeicola abscessus, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, Pyramidobacter). Functional analysis revealed predicted enrichment in LPS biosynthesis, sulfur metabolism, iron acquisition, and amino acid degradation pathways in peri-implantitis. These findings contribute to understanding the etiology of peri-implantitis and identification of potential candidate biomarkers.