DT News - UK - Nano-coating effective in reducing peri-implantitis risk

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 5 April 2017

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PLYMOUTH, UK: Investigating the effect of a new approach using a combination of silver, titanium dioxide and hydroxyapatite (HA) nano-coatings on the surface of titanium alloy implants, researchers from Plymouth have found that the method was successful in inhibiting bacterial growth and reducing the formation of bacterial biofilm. In addition, the coating created a surface with anti-biofilm properties, thus supporting successful integration of the implants into surrounding bone and accelerating bone healing.

One of the main reasons for dental implant failure is peri-implantitis, an inflammatory process affecting the soft and hard tissue surrounding dental implants caused by pathogenic microbes that develop into biofilms. Current approaches to managing the development of biofilms include application of antimicrobial coatings loaded with antibiotics or chlorhexidine. However, these are usually only short-term measures. In addition, chlorhexidine has been reported to be potentially toxic to human cells.

Investigating a new approach to the prevention of biofilm, researchers from the School of Biological Sciences, Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, and School of Engineering at the University of Plymouth tested the effectiveness of a dual-layered silver–HA nano-coating on titanium alloy medical implants. The antibacterial performance of the coating was quantitatively assessed by measuring the growth of Streptococcus sanguinis, the proportion of live and dead cells, and lactate production by the microbes over 24 hours. he results showed that the combination successfully inhibited bacterial growth and reduced the formation of bacterial biofilm on the surface of the implants by 97.5 per cent. Uncoated controls and titanium dioxide nano-coatings showed no antibacterial effect.

According to the researchers, no dissolution was detected for the HA nano-coatings. Thus, application of a dual-layered silver–HA nano-coating on titanium alloy implants further created a surface with anti-biofilm properties without compromising the HA biocompatibility required for successful osseointegration and accelerated bone healing.

“In this cross-faculty study we have identified the means to protect dental implants against the most common cause of their failure. The potential of our work for increased patient comfort and satisfaction, and reduced costs, is great and we look forward to translating our findings into clinical practice,” commented Prof. Christopher Tredwin, Head of the Peninsula School of Dentistry.

In the next step, the effectiveness of the approach needs to be tested in vivo, according to the researchers.

The study, titled “Antibacterial activity and biofilm inhibition by surface modified titanium alloy medical implants following application of silver, titanium dioxide and hydroxyapatite nanocoatings”, was published online on 17 March in the Nanotoxicology Journal.