Dental Implant Texture Affects Biofilm Adhesion Strength

Peri-implantitis, a disease formed by subgingival biofilm between dental implants and surrounding tissue, can lead to necrosis or implant loss. The development of an implant surface that promotes osseointegration and deters bacterial biofilm adhesion is paramount to prevent peri-implantitis. A technique to quantify adhesion strengths of biofilms is important to optimize surfaces which prevent bacteria from adhering strongly. The laser spallation technique has been recently adapted to obtain quantitative measures of biofilm adhesion. One key advantage of laser spallation is it results in quantified adhesion strength while using a non-contact high strain rate force. Image analysis can be used to obtain fluence, energy per unit area, at spallation of the biofilm, along with one dimensional wave analysis and finite element analysis, a quantitative interface adhesion strength can be determined for the biofilm-implant interface. In this study, Streptococcus mutans, a gram-positive facultative anaerobe, was chosen because it promotes the attachment and growth of more harmful bacteria. The competition between oral bacteria and cell should also be considered when comparing implant surface characteristics. MG-63 was chosen as it closely mimics osteoblast adhesion. We will demonstrate the competition in adhesion between S. mutans and osteoblast like cells on dental implant mimicking surfaces through the adaptation of the laser spallation technique. This study will lead to the development of dental implant surfaces which promote osseointegration and inhibit biofilm formation. Furthermore, the laser spallation technique will be used to optimize other medical implant surfaces, and surfaces where biofilms have deleterious effects.