Biofilm-associated diseases are one of the main causes of implant failure. Currently, the development of implant surface treatment goes beyond the osseointegration process and focuses on the creation of surfaces with antimicrobial action and with the possibility to be re-activated (i.e., light source activation). Titanium dioxide (TiO2), an excellent photocatalyst used for photocatalytic antibacterial applications, could be a great alternative, but its efficiency is limited to the ultraviolet (UV) range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Since UV radiation has carcinogenic potential, we created a functional TiO2 coating codoped with nitrogen and bismuth via the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of titanium to achieve an antibacterial effect under visible light with re-activation potential. A complex surface topography was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional confocal laser scanning microscopy. Additionally, PEO-treated surfaces showed greater hydrophilicity and albumin adsorption compared to control, untreated titanium. Bismuth incorporation shifted the band gap of TiO2 to the visible region and facilitated higher degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the dark, with a greater reduction in the concentration of MO after visible-light irradiation even after 72 h of aging. These results were consistent with the in vitro antibacterial effect, where samples with nitrogen and bismuth in their composition showed the greatest bacterial reduction after 24 h of dual-species biofilm formation (Streptococcus sanguinis and Actinomyces naeslundii) in darkness with a superior effect at 30 min of visible-light irradiation. In addition, such a coating presents reusable photocatalytic potential and good biocompatibility by presenting a noncytotoxicity effect on human gingival fibroblast cells. Therefore, nitrogen and bismuth incorporation into TiO2 via PEO can be considered a promising alternative for dental implant application with antibacterial properties in darkness, with a stronger effect after visible-light application.

No abstract

Polymicrobial infections are one of the most common reasons for inflammation of surrounding tissues and failure of implanted biomaterials. Because microorganism adhesion is the first step for biofilm formation, physical–chemical modifications of biomaterials have been proposed to reduce the initial microbial attachment. Thus, the use of superhydrophobic coatings has emerged because of their anti-biofilm properties. However, these coatings on the titanium (Ti) surface have been developed mainly by dual-step surface modification techniques and have not been tested using polymicrobial biofilms. Therefore, we developed a one-step superhydrophobic coating on the Ti surface by using a low-pressure plasma technology to create a biocompatible coating that reduces polymicrobial biofilm adhesion and formation. The superhydrophobic coating on Ti was created by the glow discharge plasma using Ar, O2, and hexamethyldisiloxane gases, and after full physical, chemical, and biological characterizations, we evaluated its properties regarding oral biofilm inhibition. The newly developed coating presented an increased surface roughness and, consequently, superhydrophobicity (contact angle over 150°) and enhanced corrosion resistance (p < 0.05) of the Ti surface. Furthermore, proteomic analysis showed a unique pattern of protein adsorption on the superhydrophobic coating without drastically changing the biologic processes mediated by proteins. Additionally, superhydrophobic treatment did not present a cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts or reduction of proliferation; however, it significantly reduced (≈8-fold change) polymicrobial adhesion (bacterial and fungal) and biofilm formation in vitro. Interestingly, superhydrophobic coating shifted the microbiological profile of biofilms formed in situ in the oral cavity, reducing by up to ≈7 fold pathogens associated with the peri-implant disease. Thus, this new superhydrophobic coating developed by a one-step glow discharge plasma technique is a promising biocompatible strategy to drastically reduce microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on Ti-based biomedical implants.

No abstract

No abstract

The effect of a photopolymerized glaze on different properties of acrylic resin (AR) for ocular prostheses submitted to accelerated aging was investigated. Forty discs were divided into 4 groups: N1 AR without glaze (G1); colorless AR without glaze (G2); N1 AR with glaze (G3); and colorless AR with glaze (G4). All samples were polished with sandpaper (240, 600 and 800-grit). In G1 and G2, a 1200-grit sandpaper was also used. In G3 and G4, samples were coated with MegaSeal glaze. Property analysis of color stability, microhardness, roughness, and surface energy, and assays of atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were performed before and after the accelerated aging (1008h). Data were submitted to the ANOVA and Tukey Test (p<0.05). Groups with glaze exhibited statistically higher color change and roughness after aging. The surface microhardness significantly decreased in groups with glaze and increased in groups without glaze. The surface energy increased after the aging, independent of the polishing procedure. All groups showed an increase of surface irregularities. Photopolymerized glaze is an inadequate surface treatment for AR for ocular prostheses and it affected the color stability, roughness, and microhardness. The accelerated aging interfered negatively with the properties of resins.

No abstract

No abstract