Material characterization and Streptococcus oralis adhesion on Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and titanium surfaces used in implantology

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between Streptococcus oralis and Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a novel material recently introduced in implantology. The topographical characterization and the Streptococcus oralis adhesion on this material were compared with other titanium surfaces, currently used for the production of dental implants: machined and double etched (DAE). The superficial micro-roughness of the PEEK discs was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and, the Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) analyzed their chemical composition. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to characterize the micro-topography and the sessile method to evaluate the wettability of the samples. Microbiological analysis measured the colony forming units (CFUs), the biomass (OD570 detection) and the cell viability after 24 and 48 h after Streptococcus oralis cultivation on the different discs, that were previously incubated with saliva. Results showed that PEEK was characterized by a micro-roughness that was similar to machined titanium but at nano-level the nano-roughness was significantly higher in respect to the other samples. The EDS showed that PEEK superficial composition was characterized mainly by Carbonium and Oxygen. The hydrophilicity and wetting properties of PEEK were similar to machined titanium; on the contrary, double etched discs (DAE) samples were characterized by significantly higher levels (p < 0.05). PEEK was characterized by significant lower CFUs, biomass and viable cells in respect to the titanium surfaces. No differences were found between machined and DAE. The anti-adhesive and antibacterial properties showed by PEEK at 24 and 48 h against a pioneer such as S. oralis, could have an important role in the prevention of all pathologies connected with biofilm formation, like peri-implantitis in dentistry or prosthetic failures in orthopedics.

Biofilm Formation on the Surface of (Poly)Ether-Ether-Ketone and In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy on Peri-Implant Mucositis

“…These findings indicate that PEEK also possesses good biocompatibility for MG-63 cells. With the combination of the verification results from this study and the data reported in the literature [ 42 , 43 ], it can be summarized that PEEK has anti-adhesive bacterial properties. With comparable MG-63 cell viability to Ti-6Al-4V and Y-TZP, PEEK is a suitable material for dental implants or abutment from a microbiological aspect.…”

“…As mentioned previously, the biofilm formation ability was related to hydrophilicity, surface roughness, and surface free energy. Although the present in vitro study did not consider PEKK, according to the previous report [ 42 , 43 ] it can be predicted that PEKK will have similar biological characteristics as PEEK. However, whether PEEK affects osteoblasts and their differentiation needs additional investigation.…”

Influence of the Manufacturing Method on the Adhesion of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans to Oral Splint Resins

“…Surface free energy has been shown to influence the adhesion of various cell types to dental materials [ 16 , 44 , 45 ]. Modifying surface free energy can have promoting or inhibiting effects on microbial adhesion, depending on the experimental conditions [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. In an investigation on denture base and lining materials, an increase in surface free energy resulted in an increase in C. albicans adhesion [ 49 ].…”

Comparative Evaluation of Primary Stability between Different Diameters Multi-Scale Roughness Dental Implant by Solid Rigid Polyurethane Simulation

“…Moreover, the authors reported the lowest amount of bacterial contamination for the nano-roughness surface. It is well known in the literature that the micro-roughness surface rugophilia is a key factor for the induction of osteogenic actors' activity [49,50]. Several studies reported in animal experiments that implant micro-roughness is associated with higher bone-to-implant contact compared to machined implants [51][52][53][54].…”