Attachment of peri-implant pathogens to laser melted abutments and the development of a novel antimicrobial coating.
Year: 2019
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Dental implant placement is undertaken increasingly frequently to restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth. The abutment forms the interface between the implant and overlying crown, bridge or denture prosthesis. Despite reasonable long‐term survival of dental implants overall, inflammation of peri-implant tissues may develop in response to chronic insult from microbial biofilms formed on implant surfaces, leading to implant failure. Despite efforts in developing novel treatments, progression and recurrence of peri-implantitis is a major clinical problem. Therefore, focus on prevention rather than treatment of peri-implant conditions is crucial. \nThis project aimed to investigate the early, direct attachment of peri-implant pathogens Fusobacterium nucleatum (FN) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) to laser melted Ti6Al4V. Subsequently, a novel antimicrobial abutment coating was developed to reduce bacterial attachment. Both microbes attached readily to Ti6Al4V without the aid of early colonisers in the presence and absence of artificial saliva (AS). Interestingly, AS reduced FN attachment and encouraged the attachment of the more pathogenic PG to laser melted surface. The developed antimicrobial coating was composed of triclosan-loaded liposomes, tethered to the Ti6Al4V oxide layer by the amphiphilic molecule octadecylphosphonic acid. Liposomes were composed of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol at a 7:1 w/w ratio and encapsulated 300 μg/mL triclosan in 3 mg/mL lipids. Triclosan demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting both FN and PG. The liposomes were successfully adsorbed to the laser melted surfaces, although this coating was not uniform. The triclosan-loaded liposomal coating showed high antimicrobial efficacy against FN and PG in the absence of AS. However, preconditioning of coated surfaces with AS reduced liposomal antimicrobial activity. \nThis work indicates that bacterial attachment to oral metallic implants may differ from the successive process described in the literature. A novel liposomal coating demonstrated potential in preventing attachment and proliferation of clinically relevant implant pathogens which may reduce peri-implantitis risk.
Author: Clotilde Haury
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Newcastle University
OpenAlex ID: W3006750090