Abstract
ObjectivesThe formation of biofilms on titanium dental implants is one of the main causes of failure of these devices. Streptococci are considered early colonizers that alter local environment favouring growing conditions for other colonizers. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is so far the most effective antimicrobial treatment against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms as well as fungi. This study was designed to develop a CHX delivery system appropriate for healing caps and abutments, with suitable drug release rate, effective as antimicrobial agent, and free of cytotoxic effects. MethodsPolybenzyl acrylate (PBA) coatings with and without CHX (Ti/PBA and Ti/PBA-CHX, respectively) and different drug loads (0.35, 0.70, and 1.40%, w/w) were assayed. The cytotoxic effect of CHX released from the different substrates on UMR106 cells was tested by alkaline phosphatase specific activity (ALP), and microscopic evaluation of the cells. Non-cytotoxic drug load (0.35%, w/w) was selected to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of the system using a microbial consortium of Streptococcus species. ResultsThe kinetic profile of CHX delivered by Ti/PBA-CHX showed an initial fast release rate followed by a monotonic increase of delivered mass over 48h. The number of attached bacteria decreased in the following order: Ti>Ti/PBA>Ti/PBA-0.35. ConclusionsPBA-0.35 coating is effective to inhibit the adhesion of early colonizers on Ti without any cytotoxic effect on UMR-106 cells.
Highlights
Initial bacterial adhesion and colonization of healing caps, abutments and dental implant surfaces play a key role in biomaterial-related infections.[1,2]
After 24 h in culture, cells exposed to Ti/Polybenzyl acrylate (PBA) showed no morphological changes (Fig. 1B)
When cells were cultured in presence of Ti/PBA-0.35, a few vacuolated cells with otherwise normal culture were observed (Fig. 1C)
Summary
Initial bacterial adhesion and colonization of healing caps, abutments and dental implant surfaces play a key role in biomaterial-related infections.[1,2] Oral microorganisms are able to colonize biomaterial implant surfaces and related devices during surgery (perioperative contamination). Chlorhexidine (CHX) and its water-soluble derivative chlorhexidine digluconate have been extensively used to control biofilms on teeth.[8,9] CHX is so far the most effective antimicrobial treatment because of its several advantages: high antimicrobial capability, and ability to inhibit glycosydic and proteolytic activities and reduce matrix metal-proteinase action in most oral bacteria.[10] CHX is effective against a wide variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms as well as fungi.[11] it is retained by the dentine hard tissues and is an effective irrigator to prevent root canal reinfection due to coronal leakage.[12] CHX does not negatively affect the push-out bond strength in post bond cementation.[13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
