Abstract:

BACKGROUND: At present, pure titanium and its alloys have become the most commonly used dental implants because of its good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, but it is not anti-bacterial.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of arc-discharge processed titanium plates.
METHODS: Titanium plates were prepared by electrical discharge. Antibacterial activity of the cultured streptococcus mutants was evaluated by colony formation. Osteoblasts and fibroblasts were cultured onto the titanium plates. Cell adhesion and proliferation were examined and cell numbers were counted. Absorption of cell binding protein was determined and tissue biocompatibility of the titanium plates was evaluated. Electron microscope scanning images were obtained to further examine sample surface microstructures. Lamellar X-ray diffraction was used for assessment of the surface anti-bacterial properties.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Samples treated in electrolyte solution containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride demonstrated antibacterial activity when compared to titanium plates without surface treatment. The number of bacterial colonies decreased significantly for samples treated in 1 mol/L electrolyte solution, while samples treated in solution containing sodium sulfate, potassium acetate and magnesium sulfate showed no antibacterial activity. The assay result of cell binding protein absorption indicated more protein absorption for titanium chloride. The X-ray diffraction produced a titanium peak as parent metal, while the surface of titanium oxide was stable. Further analysis indicated that titanium trichloride was transformed into hypochoric acid with antibacterial activity. Titanium chloride samples demonstrated both excellent cellular biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against oral bacteria.