Antibacterial Activity of Dissolved Silver Fractions Released from Silver-Coated Titanium Dental Implant Abutments: A Study on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the antibacterial activity of dissolved silver from silver-coated titanium implants against Streptococcus mutans. (2) Methodology: Silver-coated titanium implant discs were immersed in 1.8 mL of brain heart infusion broth (BHIB) and incubated for 24 h in order to release the silver ions into the broth. The coating quality was confirmed via EDS, and the dissolved silver was measured via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The experimental design used unconditioned broth (control) and broth conditioned with silver released from silver-coated titanium implants (n = 6). Regarding the antibacterial activity, isolated Streptococcus mutans was used. A turbidity test and lactate production test were performed to determine the effect of dissolved silver on bacterial growth in a suspension and biofilm formation. (3) Result: The results showed that the coating was successfully applied on the substrate. There was around 0.3 mg/L of silver released into the BHIB, and the turbidity of the control group was significantly higher than the treatment, with measured absorbance values of 1.4 and 0.8, respectively, indicating that the dissolved silver ions from the silver-coated titanium discs exhibited some degree of antibacterial activity by preventing the growth of Streptococcus mutans. However, the results of the antibiofilm activity test did not show any significant difference between the groups. (4) Conclusion: The dissolved silver from silver-coated titanium implants has an antibacterial activity but not a significant antimicrobial activity, indicating that the dissolved silver from silver-coated titanium abutments can significantly reduce the incidence of peri-implant mucositis.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effects of Silver-Copper Nanoparticles Obtained by Green Synthesis Against Streptococcus mutans

“…A higher antibiofilm effect was observed at higher concentrations. Investigated the antibiofilm and antibacterial activity of dissolved silver obtained from silver-coated titanium implants against S. mutans and reported that the amount of silver transferred to BHIB had an antimicrobial effect, while the antibiofilm activity was not significant [ 17 ]. Extracts of Streblus asper, Cymbopogon citratus, Syzygium aromaticum , and a mixture of the three herbs demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. mutans isolates by reducing bacterial biofilm formation and decreasing bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity.…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Bone Scaffolds Impregnated with Silver Nanoparticles on Bacterial and Fungal Biofilm

“…In recent years, there has been a significant increase in studies using AgNPs with antibiofilm activity. These studies have assessed the antibiofilm activity of AgNPs in combination with metallic surfaces such as titanium compounds, aiming to prevent infections associated with orthopedic prostheses as well as dental implants [29]. In the context of dentistry, the combination of AgNPs with restorations has shown activity against Streptococcus biofilms, the primary pathogen associated with dental biofilm and subsequent caries formation [30].…”

Comparing the Antibacterial Effect of Coated and Impregnated Flexible Dentures with Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans

“…A similar finding was observed in another study, which measured 0.3 ppm of silver release from silver-coated titanium dental implant disks to the BHIB. This cause of metal ion release to the biological media in the presence of organic molecules that accelerates the metal ion release [27].…”