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Removing biofilms from microstructured titanium ex vivo: a novel approach using atmospheric plasma technology
Stefan Rupf1, Ahmad Nour Idlibi, Fuad Al Marrawi
1Clinic of Operative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany. Stefan.rupf@uks.eu
Plos One
|October 22, 2011
Summary
Cold atmospheric plasma combined with air/water spray effectively removes oral biofilms from titanium dental implants. This innovative approach inactivates bacteria and reduces biofilm mass, offering a promising therapy for peri-implant diseases without damaging implant surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microbiology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Biofilm removal from microstructured titanium dental implants remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Oral biofilms pose a risk for peri-implant diseases, necessitating effective decontamination strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in combination with air/water spray for removing in situ formed oral biofilms from microstructured titanium.
- To evaluate the impact of CAP treatment on biofilm viability, bacterial load, and titanium surface integrity.
Main Methods:
- Titanium discs were exposed to the oral cavity to form biofilms, which were then treated ex vivo with CAP (39-43°C) using a microwave-driven pulsed plasma source.
- Biofilm thickness, bacterial viability, protein content, and surface morphology were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, contact cultures, fluorescence microscopy, SEM, and colorimetric assays.
- Comparative analysis included untreated controls and surfaces treated with air/water spray alone, as well as a sequential CAP and air/water spray treatment group.
Main Results:
- CAP treatment alone inactivated biofilm bacteria and significantly reduced total protein content in biofilms (19 µm at 24h to 91 µm at 72h).
- Complete biofilm removal was achieved by combining CAP treatment with air/water spray and a second CAP application.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the plasma treatment did not alter the microstructure of the titanium discs.
Conclusions:
- The combination of atmospheric plasma and non-abrasive air/water spray offers a viable method for the complete elimination of oral biofilms from microstructured titanium.
- This approach presents a novel therapeutic strategy for managing peri-implant diseases, preserving the integrity of dental implant surfaces.
