Novel nanocomposite coating for dental implant applications in vitro and in vivo evaluation

This study aimed at preparation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel bioactive, biodegradable, and antibacterial nanocomposite coating for the improvement of stem cells attachment and antibacterial activity as a candidate for dental implant applications. Poly (lactide-co-glycolide)/bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite (PBGHA) nanocomposite coating was prepared via solvent casting process. The nanoparticle amounts of 10, 15, and 20 weight percent (wt%) were chosen in order to determine the optimum amount of nanoparticles suitable for preparing an uniform coating. Bioactivity and degradation of the coating with an optimum amount of nanoparticles were evaluated by immersing the prepared samples in simulated body fluid and phosphate buffer saline (PBS), respectively. The effect of nanocomposite coating on the attachment and viability of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) was investigated. Kirschner wires (K-wires) of stainless steel were coated with the PBGHA nanocomposite coating, and mechanical stability of the coating was studied during intramedullary implantation into rabbit tibiae. The results showed that using 10 wt% nanoparticles (5 wt% HA and 5 wt% BG) in the nanocomposite could provide the desired uniform coating. The study of in vitro bioactivity showed rapid formation of bone-like apatite on the PBGHA coating. It was degraded considerably after about 60 days of immersion in PBS. The hASCs showed excellent attachment and viability on the coating. PBGHA coating remained stable on the K-wires with a minimum of 96% of the original coating mass. It was concluded that PBGHA nanocomposite coating provides an ideal surface for the stem cells attachment and viability. In addition, it could induce antibacterial activity, simultaneously.