Antibacterial effect of acrylic dental devices after surface modification by fluorine and silver dual-ion implantation

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of fluorine and silver ions implanted and deposited into acrylic resin (poly(methyl methacrylate)) using a hybrid process of plasma-based ion implantation and deposition. The surface characteristics were evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy. In addition, an antibacterial activity test was performed by the adenosine-5'-triphosphate luminescence method. XPS spectra of modified specimens revealed peaks due to fluoride and silver. The water contact angle increased significantly due to implantation and deposition of both fluorine and silver ions. In addition, the presence of fluorine and silver was found to inhibit bacterial growth. These results suggest that fluorine and silver dual-ion implantation and deposition can provide antibacterial properties to acrylic medical and dental devices.