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11:19
Oral Biofilm Formation on Different Materials for Dental Implants
Published on: June 24, 2018
Analyzing Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Cranioplasty Implants
Nicholas M Diessner1, Daniel H Stones2, Amy Read3
1Oral & Maxillofacial Laboratory Manager, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust Torbay Hospital, Torquay, UK.
Summary
Titanium cranioplasty (CP) implants show greater resistance to Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation than polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants. This suggests titanium may reduce infection risk in CP surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cranioplasty (CP) implants are linked to high surgical site infection rates, exceeding those of other deep-buried implants.
- Understanding material-specific infection risks is crucial for patient safety in CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively compare in vitro biofilm formation on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) versus titanium cranioplasty (CP) implant materials.
- To assess the susceptibility of different CP materials to Staphylococcus aureus colonization.
Main Methods:
- An in vitro study evaluated biofilm formation on CP samples made of unfinished titanium (cp-Ti), polished cp-Ti, Ti-6Al-4V, and PEEK.
- Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) biofilm development was measured using colony-forming unit counts and Crystal Violet assays.
- Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test, with significance set at P < .05.
Main Results:
- Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) demonstrated significantly higher S aureus biofilm formation compared to polished cp-Ti (P < .04) and unfinished cp-Ti (P < .05).
- No significant difference in biofilm formation was observed between PEEK and Ti-6Al-4V (P < .12).
- Titanium implant materials (cp-Ti, polished cp-Ti, Ti-6Al-4V) exhibited greater resistance to S aureus biofilm formation than PEEK.
Conclusions:
- Commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V show superior resistance to S aureus biofilm formation compared to PEEK on CP implant surfaces.
- Utilizing titanium for CP implants could potentially decrease S aureus adhesion and mitigate associated infection risks.
- These findings support the use of titanium implants to enhance patient safety in cranioplasty procedures.
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