Antibacterial coating of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with silver and bismuth nanofilms by magnetron sputtering: A feasibility study

Abstract

Objectives: Magnetron sputtering was evaluated to equip surfaces of orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with silver and bismuth nanofilms. Material and Methods: Antibacterial properties were evaluated by the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans. Polyurethane-based elastomeric ligatures were coated with silver and bismuth nanofilms via direct current magnetron sputtering. Surface roughness (Ra) and surface-free energy (SFE) were assessed. Coated specimens were incubated with S. mutans for 2 h. Adhering bacteria were visualized by Hoechst staining and quantified by an ATP-based luminescence assay. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc testing and Pearson correlation analysis were performed (p