Inhibition of Bacterial Adhesion on Hydroxyapatite Model Teeth by Surface Modification with PEGMA-Phosmer Copolymers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Dental materials like hydroxyapatite and tooth enamel are susceptible to bacterial adhesion, leading to complications.
• Developing effective strategies for bacterial resistance on dental surfaces is crucial for oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify hydroxyapatite and tooth enamel surfaces to achieve in situ bacterial resistance.
• To investigate the efficacy of novel copolymers for surface functionalization.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (Phosmer) using free radical polymerization.
• Immobilized copolymers onto hydroxyapatite and tooth enamel surfaces via phosphate group affinity.
• Evaluated the effect of varying PEGMA content on polymer immobilization and bacterial adhesion inhibition.

Main Results:

• Stable and durable polymer brushes were successfully formed on the surfaces.
• The amount of immobilized polymer correlated with the phosphate group ratio in the copolymers.
• Surface modification significantly altered interfacial properties and inhibited bacterial adhesion.
• Copolymers with 40-60% PEGMA segments demonstrated significant inhibition of *S. epidermidis* adhesion, even with plaque biomacromolecules present.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification using PEGMA-Phosmer copolymers is an effective strategy for creating bacterial-resistant hydroxyapatite and tooth enamel.
• The developed polymer brushes offer a promising approach for preventing bacterial colonization in dental applications.