Anticorrosion and Antimicrobial Tannic Acid-Functionalized Ti-Metallic Glass Ribbons for Dental Abutment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Titanium (Ti)-based metallic glasses (MGs) are promising for biomedical applications due to their unique properties.
• Developing non-toxic MGs with enhanced functionalities like corrosion resistance and antimicrobial activity is crucial for dental implants.
• Surface modification strategies are needed to improve the performance of MGs in biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce and characterize a novel Ti-based MG (Ti60Zr20Si8Ge7B3Sn2) ribbon.
• To functionalize the MG surface with tannic acid (TA) for improved corrosion prevention and antimicrobial efficacy.
• To evaluate the cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties of the TA-functionalized MG for potential use in dental abutments.

Main Methods:

• Melt-spinning for Ti-based MG ribbon production.
• Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction for structural analysis.
• Electrochemical tests (open-circuit potential, cyclic polarization) for corrosion assessment.
• Folin and Ciocalteu test, fluorescent microscopy, and ζ-potential measurements for TA quantification and surface confirmation.
• Indirect and direct cytocompatibility assays with human gingival fibroblasts.
• Antibacterial tests against Staphylococcus aureus using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

• Amorphous structure of Ti60Zr20Si8Ge7B3Sn2 MG ribbons confirmed.
• Successful functionalization of MG surface with tannic acid demonstrated.
• TA-functionalized MG exhibited enhanced corrosion resistance and significant antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus.
• No significant difference in cell viability observed between TA-functionalized and as-produced MG ribbons, indicating good cytocompatibility.
• Reduction in bacterial aggregation thickness from 3.5 to 1.5 micrometers on functionalized surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The novel Ti-based MG offers a promising, non-toxic material for dental applications.
• Tannic acid functionalization effectively enhances the corrosion resistance and antimicrobial efficacy of the MG.
• The TA-functionalized MG demonstrates excellent cytocompatibility, making it suitable for premucosal dental implant components (abutments).
• This material represents a significant advancement in developing advanced biomaterials for oral healthcare.