Antimicrobial and osteogenic effect of Ag-implanted titanium with a nanostructured surface

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Titanium's biocompatibility is crucial for dental implants.
• Developing antimicrobial surfaces is essential to prevent oral infections.
• Nanostructured surfaces can enhance osseointegration and antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create silver-implanted nanostructured titanium with antimicrobial and osteogenic potential.
• To evaluate the efficacy against key oral microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans.
• To assess the material's impact on osteoblast behavior, including adhesion, viability, and gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal treatment and silver (Ag) plasma immersion ion implantation to create the nanostructured surface.
• Antimicrobial testing using S. mutans, P. gingivalis, and C. albicans.
• Analysis of microbial gene expression related to structure and adhesion (GbpB, FimA, Als4).
• Evaluation of osteoblast attachment, viability, and osteogenic gene expression (Alp, Ocn, RunX2) via SEM and quantitative assays.

Main Results:

• Ag nanoparticles (approx. 10 nm) were successfully incorporated onto the nanostructured titanium surface.
• High killing rates were achieved: 93.99% for S. mutans, 93.57% for P. gingivalis, and 89.78% for C. albicans.
• Microbial gene expression analysis confirmed the antimicrobial effects.
• Osteoblast attachment and viability were not compromised.
• Significant increases in osteoblast phenotype gene expression (Alp, Ocn, RunX2) were observed.

Conclusions:

• Ag-implanted nanostructured titanium demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties against oral pathogens.
• The material effectively reduces microbial gene expression.
• It promotes excellent osteoblast adhesion and enhances osteogenic gene expression, indicating potential for improved dental implant outcomes.