Enhanced antibacterial activity and superior biocompatibility of cobalt-deposited titanium discs for possible use in implant dentistry

Abstract

Summary: The clinical success of implants depends on rapid osseointegration, and new materials are being developed considering the increasing demand. Considering cobalt (Co) antibacterial characteristics, we developed Co-deposited titanium (Ti) using direct current (DC) sputtering and investigated it as a new material for implant dentistry. The material was characterized using atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The material’s surface topography, roughness, surface wettability, and hardness were also analyzed. The Co thin film (Ti-Co15) showed excellent antibacterial effects against microbes implicated in peri-implantitis. Furthermore, Ti-Co15 was compatible and favored the attachment and spreading of MG-63 cells. The alkaline phosphatase and calcium mineralization activities of MG-63 cells cultured on Ti-Co15 remained unaltered compared to Ti. These data correlated well with the time-dependent expression of ALP, RUNX-2, and BMP-2 genes involved in osteogenesis. The results demonstrate that Co-deposited Ti could be a promising material in implant dentistry.

Keywords

• Dentistry
• Materials science
• Biomaterials
• Biomedical materials