Streptococcus oralis Biofilm Formation on Titanium Surfaces

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Surface Science

Background:

• Titanium's surface properties influence bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, critical factors in implant success.
• Understanding how different titanium surface topographies affect oral bacteria is essential for developing improved dental materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Streptococcus oralis biofilm formation on machined versus sandblasted titanium surfaces.
• To characterize the nanoroughness, wettability, and chemical composition of the titanium surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Machined and sandblasted titanium disks were analyzed for surface topography and chemistry.
• Water contact angle measurements assessed surface wettability.
• Titanium disks were incubated with saliva to form an acquired pellicle, followed by Streptococcus oralis exposure.
• Biofilm formation, cell viability, and colony-forming units (CFUs) were evaluated at 24 and 48 hours.

Main Results:

• Sandblasted titanium exhibited higher superficial oxides, roughness, and hydrophilicity compared to machined surfaces.
• Despite topographic differences, Streptococcus oralis biofilm biomass and CFUs were similar on both surfaces.
• Sandblasted surfaces showed a higher percentage of dead Streptococcus oralis cells in the biofilm.

Conclusions:

• Surface topography differences between machined and sandblasted titanium do not significantly alter Streptococcus oralis biofilm formation.
• While biofilm quantity is unaffected, surface characteristics may influence bacterial viability within the biofilm.