Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma functionalized dental implant for enhancement of bacterial resistance and osseointegration

- Initial bacterial adhesion to the Ti and Ti alloy was significantly inhibited after plasma functionalizing.
- The bacterial adhesion-resistance effect was induced by carbon cleaning.
- The initial cell adhesion and ALP activity at 14 days were enhanced in plasma-functionalized specimens.

ObjectiveEven though roughened titanium (Ti) and Ti alloys have been clinically used as dental implant, they encourage bacterial adhesion, leading to failure of the initial stability. Here, the non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) functionalized Ti and Ti alloy were investigated to promote cellular activities but inhibit the initial attachment of the adherent pioneer bacterium, Streptococcus sanguinis, without topographical changes.MethodsAfter the produced radicals from NTAPPJ were characterized, bacterial adhesion to specimens was assessed by PrestoBlue assay and live-dead staining with or without the NTAPPJ functionalizing. After the surface was characterized using optical profilometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle analysis, the ions released from the specimens were investigated. In vitro initial cell attachment (4 h or 24 h) with adhesion images and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP, 14 days) measurements were performed using rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.ResultsThe initial bacterial adhesion to the Ti and Ti alloy was significantly inhibited after NTAPPJ functionalizing (p < 0.05) compared to those without NTAPPJ functionalizing. The bacterial adhesion-resistance effect was induced by carbon cleaning, which was dependent on the working gas used on the Ti specimens (nitrogen > ammonia and air, p < 0.05). The initial cell adhesion with well-developed vinculin localization and consequent ALP activity at 14 days to the NTAPPJ-functionalized specimens were superior to the non-treated specimens.SignificanceFor the promising success of dental implants, NTAPPJ functionalizing is suggested as a novel surface modification technique; this technique can help ensure the success of integration between the dental implants and bone tissues with less concern of inflammation.

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