Ag+ implantation induces mechanical properties, cell adhesion and antibacterial effects of TiN/Ag multilayers in vitro

Adjusting the Dose of Ag-Ion Implantation on TiN-Ag-Modified SLA-Ti Creates Different Micronanostructures: Implications on Bacteriostasis, Biocompatibility, and Osteogenesis in Dental Implants

The prevention of aseptic loosening and peri-implantitis is crucial for the success of dental implant surgery. In this study, different doses of Ag-implanted TiN/Ag nanomultilayers were prepared on the sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA)-Ti surface using a multiarc ion-plating system and an ion-implantation system, respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the samples were assessed using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and water contact angle measurements. In addition, the applicability and biosafety of the SLA/1 × 1017-Ag and SLA/1 × 1018-Ag surfaces were determined via biocompatibility testing in vivo and in vitro. The results demonstrated that the physical and chemical properties of SLA/1 × 1017-Ag and SLA/1 × 1018-Ag surfaces were different to some extent. However, compared with SLA-Ti, silver-loaded TiN/Ag-modified SLA-Ti surfaces (SLA/1 × 1018-Ag) with enhanced bacteriostatis, osteogenesis, and biocompatibility have great potential for dental applications.

Biofunctionalization of Microgroove Surfaces with Antibacterial Nanocoatings

Objectives

To investigate the physical properties of the modified microgroove (MG) and antibacterial nanocoated surfaces. In addition, the biological interactions of the modified surfaces with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and the antibacterial activity of the surfaces against Porphyromonas gingivalis were studied.

Methods

The titanium nitride (TiN) and silver (Ag) coatings were deposited onto the smooth and MG surfaces using magnetron sputtering. A smooth titanium surface (Ti-S) was used as the control. The physicochemical properties including surface morphology, roughness, and hydrophilicity were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and an optical contact angle analyzer. The "contact guidance" morphology was assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell proliferation was analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression level of the main focal adhesion-related structural protein vinculin was compared using quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting. The antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis was evaluated using the LIVE/DEAD BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit.

Results

The Ag and TiN antibacterial nanocoatings were successfully deposited onto the smooth and MG surfaces using magnetron sputtering technology. TiN coating on a grooved surface (TiN-MG) resulted in less nanoroughness and greater surface hydrophilicity than Ag coating on a smooth surface (Ag-S), which was more hydrophobic. Cell proliferation and expression of vinculin were higher on the TiN-MG surface than on the Ag-coated surfaces. Ag-coated surfaces showed the strongest antibacterial activity, followed by TiN-coated surfaces.

Conclusion

Nano-Ag coating resulted in good antimicrobial activity; however, the biocompatibility was questionable. TiN nanocoating on an MG surface showed antibacterial properties with an optimal biocompatibility and maintained the "contact guidance" effects for HGFs.