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Niobium-Based Conditioning Layer to Reduce Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation on Titanium Surface
Viviane C Oliveira1,2, Nilza L Magalhães3,4, Carla R O Maciel1
1Departamento de Materiais Dentários e Prótese, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, São Paulo, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|April 13, 2026
Summary
Ammoniacal niobium oxalate (ANO) shows antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential against various bacteria and fungi. However, ANO coatings on titanium surfaces did not fully prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, requiring further research.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Niobium metal has diverse applications, but its use in antimicrobial coatings is underexplored.
- Developing surfaces with antimicrobial properties is crucial for preventing infections and device failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of ammoniacal niobium oxalate (ANO).
- To develop a method for depositing ANO onto titanium-functionalized surfaces to inhibit bacterial colonization and biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of ANO particles (size, FTIR, XRD, ζ-potential, cytotoxicity).
- Antimicrobial assays (microdilution, inhibition halo) against a panel of bacteria and fungi.
- Antibiofilm assays (biomass, respiratory activity, morphology).
- Testing antifouling properties of polyacrylic-acid-ANO films on titanium under dynamic flow conditions.
Main Results:
- ANO particles (~450 nm) demonstrated negative charge, high crystallinity, and low cytotoxicity.
- ANO exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and reduced mature biofilm metabolic activity.
- ANO coatings on titanium surfaces did not completely prevent bacterial adhesion or biofilm growth under dynamic flow conditions.
Conclusions:
- Ammoniacal niobium oxalate possesses promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties.
- Further optimization of surface functionalization techniques is necessary to enhance the efficacy of ANO coatings in preventing biofilm formation on titanium surfaces.
