Comparative evaluation of biofilm formation among three differently treated surfaces on titanium samples along with gentamicin coating

Abstract

Background: For many years, osseointegrated oral implants have been successfully used as an excellent method for replacement of missing teeth. Biofilm formation on oral implants can cause inflammation of peri-implant tissues, which can affect the long-term success of osseointegrated implants. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate biofilm formation on gentamicin-treated implants and to conduct a comparative evaluation process of biofilm formation among three differently treated surfaces on titanium samples along with gentamicin coating. Materials and Methods: Samples were blasted and later loaded with gentamicin drug by vacuum drying and evaluation of the strains was carried out for biofilm. Bacterial adhesion was evaluated at different time intervals of 0, 1, 4, 24, and 48h. Results: Bacterial adhesion was sequentially increasing in polished samples. Initial bacterial adhesion was higher on surface-modified samples as compared to polished samples in the first hour. Bacterial adhesion was retarded in gentamicin-coated hydroxyapatite (HA)-blasted samples up to 24h. Bacterial adhesion was considerably less on TiO2-blasted samples up to 48h. Conclusion: Implant surface modified with TiO2 and gentamicin showed delayed biofilm formation even up to 48h. Surface modification with HA has gained considerable osteoconductive surface, which is a boon for the production of future implants with less expense; however, further studies need to be carried out to prove its efficacy and effectiveness.