In vitro Assessment of Photocatalytic Titanium Oxide Surface-modified Stainless Steel and Nickel Titanium Orthodontic Wires for its Antiadherent and Antibacterial Properties against Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Objective: To assess the antiadherent and antibacterial pro­ perties of surface-modified stainless steel and nickel titanium orthodontic wires with photocatalytic titanium oxide against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Materials and methods: This study was done on 80 specimens of orthodontic wires each of 5 cm in length. The specimens were divided into eight test groups, four groups were used for anti ­ adherent test, and other four groups were used for antibacterial test. Each group consisted of 10 specimens. The groups contain­ ing uncoated stainless steel and uncoated nickel titanium wires acted as control group for their respective experimental group, containing coated stainless steel and nickel titanium wires. Surface modification of both stainless steel and nickel titanium orthodontic wires with photocatalytic titanium oxide was carried out by sol gel thin film dip coating method. Orthodontic wires were then subjected to microbiological tests for assessment of the antiadherent and antibacterial properties of photocatalytic titanium oxide coating against S. mutans. Results: Photocatalytic TiO2 coating on the wires prevented the adhesion of S. mutans to the orthodontic wires, hence demonstrating antiadherent property against S. mutans. Also, photocatalytic TiO2 coating on the surface of orthodontic wires demonstrated antibacterial effect against S. mutans. Conclusion: Surface modification of orthodontic wires with photocatalytic titanium oxide was found to have antiadherent and antibacterial properties against S. mutans.