Long-term continuous corrosion of 316L stainless steel by Streptococcus mutans in simulated oral environment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction The widespread application of metallic biomaterials in oral healthcare has raised increasing concerns regarding their long-term corrosion behavior under complex microbial environments, which remains insufficiently understood. Methods A 90-day anaerobic experimental system was established by inoculating Streptococcus mutans in artificial saliva. The biofilm formation, electrochemical properties, surface corrosion morphology, and product evolution on 316L stainless steel were monitored using SEM, CLSM, electrochemical analysis (OCP, LPR, EIS), AFM, and XPS. Results S. mutans formed a dense biofilm on the material surface with a maximum thickness of 88.1 ± 9.0 μm. Compared to the sterile control, the corrosion current density in the experimental group increased by approximately 295-fold, with a maximum pit depth of 5.3 μm. A notable reduction in the content of protective Cr 2 O 3 and NiO within the passive film was observed. Discussion S. mutans accelerates pitting corrosion through a “biofilm barrier + localized acid production” mechanism that disrupts the passive film. The long-term corrosion effects are substantially more severe than those observed in short-term experiments.
Authors: Xiaodong Zhang, Yao Liu, Guoxian Chen, Shuai Bai, Zhong Li, Fuhui Wang, Dake Xu
Institution: Northeastern University
Language: English
Subfield: Metals and Alloys
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Awards: G2538748788, G5970439660
OpenAlex ID: W4417024149