Enhanced antibacterial activity and superior biocompatibility of cobalt-deposited titanium discs for possible use in...

The clinical success of implants depends on rapid osseointegration, and new materials are being developed considering the increasing demand. Considering cobalt (Co) antibacterial characteristics, we developed Co-deposited titanium (Ti) using direct current (DC) sputtering and investigated it as a new material for implant dentistry. The material was characterized using atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The material's surface topography, roughness, surface wettability, and hardness were also analyzed. The Co thin film (Ti-Co₁₅) showed excellent antibacterial effects against microbes implicated in peri-implantitis. Furthermore, Ti-Co₁₅ was compatible and favored the attachment and spreading of MG-63 cells. The alkaline phosphatase and calcium mineralization activities of MG-63 cells cultured on Ti-Co₁₅ remained unaltered compared to Ti. These data correlated well with the time-dependent expression of ALP, RUNX-2, and BMP-2 genes involved in osteogenesis. The results demonstrate that Co-deposited Ti could be a promising material in implant dentistry.