Liquid-Infused Structured Titanium Surfaces: Antiadhesive Mechanism to Repel Streptococcus oralis Biofilms

Abstract

To combat implant-associated infections, there is a need for novel materials which effectively inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. In the present study, the antiadhesive properties of titanium surface functionalization based on the “slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces” (SLIPS) principle were demonstrated and the underlying mechanism was analyzed. The immobilized liquid layer was stable over 13 days of continuous flow in an oral flow chamber system. With increasing flow rates, the surface exhibited a significant reduction in attached biofilm of both the oral initial colonizer Streptococcus oralis and an oral multispecies biofilm composed of S. oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella dispar, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Using single cell force spectroscopy, reduced S. oralis adhesion forces on the lubricant layer could be measured. Gene expression patterns in biofilms on SLIPS, on control surfaces, and expression patterns of planktonic cultures were also compared. For this purpose, the genome of S. oralis strain ATCC 9811 was sequenced using PacBio Sequel technology. Even though biofilm cells showed clear changes in gene expression compared to planktonic cells, no differences could be detected between bacteria on SLIPS and on control surfaces. Therefore, it can be concluded that the ability of liquid-infused titanium to repel S. oralis biofilms is mainly due to weakened bacterial adhesion to the underlying liquid interface.

FluidFM for single-cell biophysics

“…As an alternative way, the bead whose surface is coated with chemical molecules can be attached to the aperture of the microchanneled cantilever, which is then used to probe the interactions between individual microbial cells (immobilized on the substrate) and bead surface [97]. In future, FluidFM may contribute to the identification of small peptide inhibitors [98] and titanium surface [99] for antiadhesion therapy.…”

Recent advances in slippery liquid-infused surfaces with unique properties inspired by nature

“…For example, in dairy industrial processing, SLIPS can be used to prevent the growth of fouling on the surface of industrial equipment during dairy product heat treatment; food-grade stainless steel is prepared as a substrate, via femtosecond laser ablation, followed by fluorosilanization and impregnation with an inert perfluorinated oil product. Titanium is often used as a bioreplacement material, such as in joint replacement and dental implants [64,65]. Although titanium has been proven to be biofilm-repellent and can inhibit bacterial colonization, there is still a bacterial biofilm-induced risk of microbial infection, and as a result, titanium-based SLIPS has attracted attention.…”

“…Although titanium has been proven to be biofilm-repellent and can inhibit bacterial colonization, there is still a bacterial biofilm-induced risk of microbial infection, and as a result, titanium-based SLIPS has attracted attention. Doll et al [65] used a femtosecond laser system to impart surface roughness to the titanium substrate and then infused perfluoropolyether lubricant to prepare SLIPS that had strong repellency to biofilms. Leyla Soleymani's research group used chemical vapor deposition to create self-assembled monolayers of fluorosilane on gold-modified prestrained polystyrene substrates [66].…”

Evolution of Anticariogenic Resin‐Modified Glass Ionomer Cements

“…The first step in the process of bacterial adhesion is the formation of a biofilm which is formed by proteins and glycoproteins. Researchers are now working on materials that repel the proteins which can reduce the bacterial colonization and ultimately WSL 70. An antibacterial and protein‐repellant orthodontic cement was formed by the addition of silver nanoparticles and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), respectively.…”