Abstract
Improving soft tissue attachment and reducing bacterial colonization on titanium abutments are key factors for the long-term maintenance of healthy soft and hard peri-implant tissues. This in vitro study was conducted to compare the biocompatibility and antibacterial activity of four different surfaces: uncoated Ti6Al4V, anodized, and coated with titanium nitride or zirconium nitride. Surface topography was investigated with a high-resolution system for measuring surface finishes. Human gingival fibroblast (HGF) adhesion and proliferation were examined using MTT assay, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, immunofluorescence analysis and real-time PCR for selected target genes. The hemolysis and AMES tests were performed to assess the chemical compounds’ blood compatibility and mutagenic potential, respectively. Antibacterial activity was tested against five bacterial strains isolated from the oral cavity (Streptococcus salivarius, S. sanguinis, S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. oralis), and the percentage of dead bacteria was calculated. Roughness measurements confirmed a substantial similarity between the surfaces and their compatibility with clinical applications. MTT assay, SEM analysis and immunofluorescence staining showed adhesion and proliferation of HGFs cultured on all the examined surfaces. PCR confirmed that HGFs produced extracellular matrix components efficiently on all the surfaces. No hemolytic activity was detected, and the AMES test confirmed the surfaces’ clinical safety. For all tested bacterial strains, biofilms grown on the zirconium nitride surface showed a higher percentage of dead bacteria than on the other disks. The titanium nitride surface inactivated bacterial biofilms, too, but to a lesser extent.
Highlights
Titanium (Ti) and Ti alloys abutments are commonly used in dental practice due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties [1]
This in vitro study was conducted on machined titanium TiAl6V4, grade 5, disks (Ti disks) 13 mm in diameter, and 3 mm thick with different surface finishes, i.e. anodized (ANODIZED), coated with titanium nitride (TiN), or coated with zirconium nitride (ZrN), as compared with uncoated machined Ti disks (MACHINED), which were used as controls
The aim of the surface topography investigations was to analyze the surface roughness of the disks in order to compare it with data in the literature and to discriminate the surface roughness of the anodized, TiN and ZrN samples from their original morphology
Summary
Titanium (Ti) and Ti alloys abutments are commonly used in dental practice due to their biocompatibility and mechanical properties [1]. Zirconium nitride coating: Biocompatibility and antibacterial properties alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. In presence of a thin gingival phenotype, grey Ti and Ti alloys abutments might become visible through soft tissue. To overcome these aesthetic issues and in order to achieve a better microbial seal, different surface modifications and materials have been developed [4,5,6]. The long-term success of dental implants largely depends on the surrounding soft tissues, which should provide a protective seal against bacterial colonization to prevent peri-implant disease [7,8]
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