An antibacterial surface on dental implants, based on the photocatalytic bactericidal effect

• BACKGROUND: It is well known that the moderately roughened surfaces of dental implants enhance direct bone-implant contact. However, rough implant surfaces, as compared to smooth surfaces, are thought to pose a higher risk of bacterial infection when exposed to the oral cavity. PURPOSE: This study was focused on evaluating the photocatalytic bactericidal effects of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) on gram-negative anaerobic bacteria known to be associated with periimplantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A film of photocatalytic anatase TiO(2) was added onto the surface of commercially pure titanium disks by plasma source ion implantation (PSII) followed by annealing. The photocatalytic properties of the film were confirmed by the degradation of methylene blue. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum cells were incubated anaerobically and seeded on the disk. The disks were then exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) illumination from black light in an anaerobic environment. After illumination, the number of viable cells was counted in terms of colony-forming units. RESULTS: The anatase TiO(2) film added by the PSII method and annealing exhibited a strong photocatalytic reaction under UVA illumination. The viability of both types of bacteria on the photocatalytic TiO(2) film was suppressed to less than 1% under UVA illumination within 120 minutes. CONCLUSION: The bactericidal effect of the TiO(2) photocatalyst is of great use for sterilizing the contaminated surface of dental implants.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans/drug effects/radiation effects

Bacteria

Anaerobic/*drug effects/*radiation effects

Coated Materials

Biocompatible

Colony Count

Microbial

Decontamination/methods

Dental Alloys

Dental Implants/*microbiology

Fusobacterium nucleatum/drug effects/radiation effects

Ions

Microscopy

Electron

Scanning

Photosensitizing Agents/*pharmacology

Surface Properties

Titanium/*pharmacology

*Ultraviolet Rays

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)