Effects of TiO₂ Nanotubes and Reduced Graphene Oxide on <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and Preosteoblastic Cells at an Early Stage

Abstract

The effects of TiO2 nanotube (TNT) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) deposition onto titanium, which is widely used in dental implants, on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and preosteoblastic cells were evaluated. TNTs were formed through anodic oxidation on pure titanium, and rGO was deposited using an atmospheric plasma generator. The specimens used were divided into a control group of titanium specimens and three experimental groups: Group N (specimens with TNT formation), Group G (rGO-deposited specimens), and Group NG (specimens under rGO deposition after TNT formation). Adhesion of S. mutans to the surface was assessed after 24 h of culture using a crystal violet assay, while adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells, a mouse preosteoblastic cell line, were evaluated after 24 and 72 h through a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay. TNT formation and rGO deposition on titanium decreased S. mutans adhesion (p p S. mutans adhesion was the lowest (p p S. mutans at an early stage and increased the initial adhesion and proliferation of preosteoblastic cells.

Keywords

• TiO₂ nanotubes
• reduced graphene oxide
• nonthermal atmospheric plasma
• <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>
• preosteoblastic cells