Dental implants, integral for creating fixed, detachable, and maxillofacial prostheses, predominantly utilize titanium or its alloys due to their excellent biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and resistance to corrosion. Nonetheless, optimizing the stability and integration of these implants at the bone-biomaterial interface remains crucial.
Recent research has focused on enhancing dental implant surfaces using biopolymer coatings, specifically chitosan and pectin. Chitosan, derived from chitin, is known for preventing the formation of a fibrous tissue capsule around implants, while pectin, a plant-based polysaccharide, supports cellular adhesion due to its similarity to the mammalian extracellular matrix.
In this study, researchers developed a novel nanocoating for dental implants utilizing a combination of natural biopolymers (chitosan and pectin) and the synthetic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA, a cost-effective and biocompatible synthetic polymer, is noted for its non-toxicity and biodegradability, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
The study prepared PCPC solutions by combining chitosan (from shrimp shells), pectin (from citrus peel), and PVA in two distinct ratios (1:2 and 1:3). These solutions were applied to CpTi grade II discs (diameters of 18, 10, and 6 mm; thickness of 2 mm) using an electrospinning/spraying technique in a controlled environment at room temperature and 40-60% relative humidity, facilitated by a high-voltage generator (20 kV). After coating, the samples were left to dry for 24 hours.
Cell viability and cytotoxicity were assessed using the MTT assay on fibroblast-like cells cultured on coated and uncoated CpTi substrates. Antibacterial activity was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with anaerobic bacteria derived from peri-implantitis. Additionally, the adhesive strength of the coatings was evaluated through pull-off adhesion tests, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analyzed coating morphology and surface characteristics. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) provided elemental composition data, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy determined surface chemical composition.
The cytotoxicity assays revealed that the cell viability generally decreased over time for all substrates. However, the PCPC (1:3) coating demonstrated the highest mean cell viability of 93.42%, 89.88%, and 86.85% at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. This coating also showed the most significant inhibition zone diameter (IZD) against anaerobic bacteria, though antibacterial activity diminished over time for both PCPC coatings.
The pull-off adhesion strength was markedly higher for PCPC (1:3) at 521.6 psi compared to 419.5 psi for PCPC (1:2). AFM analysis indicated superior nano-roughness parameters for PCPC (1:3). FESEM images showed a uniform coating on CpTi with PCPC (1:2) featuring nano-sized structures and no visible defects. In contrast, PCPC (1:3) presented a consistent coating with an interwoven network of fibers and nanoparticles, free from cracks.
FTIR analysis confirmed that both PCPC coatings were physically blended composites without chemical reactions occurring between the components.
The study demonstrates the efficacy of PCPC nanocoatings, which incorporate both natural and synthetic polymers, in enhancing the performance of dental implants. The PCPC (1:3) coating, in particular, exhibited improved biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, surface nano-roughness, and adhesion strength, marking it as a highly promising candidate for titanium dental implants.
Future research should include in-vivo studies to validate these in-vitro findings. Animal and clinical trials are essential to confirm the safety, efficacy, and biocompatibility of these coatings, paving the way for their practical application in clinical settings and potentially revolutionizing dental implant procedures.
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