Synthesis of new antibacterial composite coating for titanium based on highly ordered nanoporous silica and silver nanoparticles.

Infection is the most common factor that leads to dental titanium implant failure. Antibacterial implant surfaces based on nano-scale modifications of the titanium appear as an attractive strategy for control of peri-implantitis. In the present work, the preparation and antibacterial properties of a novel composite coating for titanium based on nanoporous silica and silver nanoparticles are presented. Starch-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and then incorporated into sol-gel based solution system. The AgNP-doped nanoporous silica coatings were prepared on titanium surface using a combined sol-gel and evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) method. The coating nanostructure was characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, a representative pathogen of dental peri-implantitis. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted within the biofilm and at the planktonic state. Biofilm development was quantified using crystal violet staining and viability of adherent bacteria was confirmed with the Live/Dead fluorescence assay. Silica-based composite coating containing AgNPs (AgNP/NSC) was prepared on titanium surface by direct incorporation of AgNP suspension into the sol-gel system. The self-assembly technique enabled the spontaneous formation of a highly ordered nanoporosity in the coating structure, which is a desired property for osseointegration aspects of titanium implant surface. AgNP/NSC coating produces a strong antibacterial effect on titanium surface by not only killing the adherent bacteria but also reducing the extent of biofilm formation. Biofilm survival is reduced by more than 70% on the AgNP/NSC-modified titanium surface, compared to the control. This antibacterial effect was verified for up to 7 days of incubation. The long-term antibacterial activity exhibited by the nanostructured AgNP/NSC-titanium surface against A. actinomycetemcomitans suggests that this type of nano-scale surface modification is a promissory strategy to control infections associated with dental implant rehabilitation.