A Sericin@Cu Coating on Zirconia to Orchestrate a Sequential Antibacterial‐to‐Regenerative Cascade for Enhancing Peri‐Implant Soft Tissue Seal

ABSTRACT A stable biological seal is essential for dental implant longevity by preventing peri‐implantitis. Zirconia abutments, though aesthetically pleasing, suffer from a bioinert surface that hinders this seal. Here, we introduce a Sericin@Cu coating that orchestrates a sequential healing cascade, in which the cross‐linked sericin not only provides a stable platform for cell adhesion but also mediates the controlled release of copper ions (Cu 2+ ). Initially, a pH‐responsive release of Cu 2+ provides targeted antibacterial action against early infection. Subsequently, a sustained, low‐concentration release of Cu 2+ promotes angiogenesis, establishing a rich vascular supply that fuels the subsequent stages of soft tissue regeneration. This paves the way for the final stage, where sericin guides fibroblast proliferation and maturation, culminating in a dense, well‐organized fibrous seal. These effects were validated in a rat oral implant model with S. aureus infection, where the coated abutments significantly outperformed controls in establishing a powerful soft tissue barrier. This bio‐inspired coating offers a potent strategy to overcome the limitations of zirconia by actively programming the formation of a robust and lasting peri‐implant seal.