Antibacterial titanium plate deposited by silver nanoparticles exhibits cell compatibility

Abstract

Microbial colonization and biofilm formation on the surface of implant devices may cause peri-implantitis and lead to bone loss. The aim of this study was to develop a novel antibacterial titanium implant surface and to test its biological performance. In a previous study, we demonstrated that titanium plates deposited by nanosilver acquired antibacterial activity to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. While antibacterial activity is important, biomaterial surfaces should be modified to achieve excellent cell compatibility as well. In the present study, using the MTT assay, fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, we assessed cell viability, cytoskeletal architecture and cell attachment, respectively, on our silver nanoparticle-modified titanium (Ti-nAg) plate. The results demonstrate that the Ti-nAg do not show any cytotoxicity to the human gingival fibroblasts. Our data indicate that Ti-nAg is a novel material with both good antibacterial properties and uncompromised cytocompatibility, which can be used as an implanted biomaterial. © 2010 Liao et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.