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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
11:19
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Microbially-influenced corrosion: damage to prostheses, delight for bacteria
I B Beech1, J A Sunner, C R Arciola
1School of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK.
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|May 18, 2006
Summary
Microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC) affects metallic implants. Electrochemical techniques effectively monitor biofilm formation and MIC on biomaterials, crucial for medical device longevity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Microbial communities form biofilms on diverse surfaces, including medical implants within the human body.
- Biofilms can accelerate the corrosion of metallic materials, a process termed microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC).
- While many metals attract biofilms (biofouling), not all are susceptible to MIC, like titanium which resists corrosion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of electrochemical techniques for monitoring biofilm formation on implant materials.
- To assess the utility of electrochemical methods in detecting and quantifying microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC) on metallic implants.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing electrochemical techniques to measure corrosion rates and biofilm development.
- Analyzing interfacial electrochemical processes influenced by biofilm presence on metallic surfaces.
Main Results:
- Electrochemical methods are effective in monitoring biofilm accumulation on implant surfaces.
- These techniques can accurately assess the rate of microbially-influenced corrosion (MIC) in metallic biomaterials.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemical techniques provide a robust approach for evaluating biofilm formation and MIC on implant metals and alloys.
- Understanding and monitoring MIC is critical for improving the performance and lifespan of metallic medical implants.
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