Surface properties and biocompatibility of acid-etched titanium

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acid-etched titanium on the biological responses of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Four types of treatments (polishing, sandblasting, concentrated H2SO4 etching, and concentrated H2SO4 etching with vacuum firing) were carried out on the surfaces of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) disks. MC3T3-E1 cells were then cultured on the treated cpTi surfaces. Through surface roughness measurement and SEM analysis, it was found that the acid-etched surfaces showed higher roughness values than the sandblasted ones. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the cells on the disks treated with acid-etching and acid-etching with vacuum firing spread as well as the sandblasted ones. There were no significant differences in cell proliferation and collagen production on cpTi among the four different surface treatments. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that etching with concentrated sulfuric acid was a simple and effective way to roughen the surface of titanium without compromising its biocompatibility.     

钛表面形貌和亲水性表面对成骨细胞增殖、分化的影响

目的:通过体外实验研究普通喷砂酸蚀纯钛表面和亲水性喷砂酸蚀纯钛表面对成骨细胞增殖、分化等生物学行为的影响。方法:纯钛片表面分别采用光滑处理(smooth pretreated Ti,PT)、大颗粒喷砂酸蚀表面处理(sand-blasted,large-grit,acid-etched,SLA)及亲水性化学活化大颗粒喷砂酸蚀表面处理(chemically-modified SLA,modSLA/SLActive),在表面接种MC3T3-E1成骨细胞,采用MTT、碱性磷酸酶半定量测试以及茜素红染色检测其对成骨细胞增殖、分化的影响,并采用实时荧光定量PCR检测成骨细胞在不同材料表面骨功能基因表达的差异。应用SAS 9.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果:与光滑钛表面相比,普通喷砂酸蚀钛表面能通过促进ALP、钙基质的分泌和成骨功能基因(Runx2、OSX、OCN和OPN)的表达而显著抑制成骨细胞增殖并促进其分化。在表面粗糙度的基础上增加亲水性,可使这一效应更加明显。结论:表面粗糙度和亲水性是影响成骨细胞生物学行为的重要因素,粗糙钛表面能显著抑制成骨细胞增殖,促进其分化,亲水性的粗糙钛表面促进成骨细胞分化的作用更加显著。     

纯钛表面涂层（Ca+Zn）/P比值与成骨细胞生物活性的关系

目的研究纯钛表面不同（Ca+Zn）/P比值对成骨细胞（MC3T3-E1）黏附、增殖和分化的影响,确定纯钛表面生物活性最佳的Ca、P、Zn含量。方法在微弧氧化的电解液中加入一定浓度的Ca、P和5种不同浓度的Zn（0、0.01、0.03、0.04和0.06 mol/L）,使Ca、P元素的摩尔比值接近羟基磷灰石的比值。在纯钛材料表面制备5种不同（Ca+Zn）/P比值的生物活性涂层,分别记为S₀、S₁、S₂、S₃和S₄组。应用XPS和SEM分析样品表面的元素组成、存在形式、（Ca+Zn）/P比值以及表面形貌;应用SEM、MTT法和ALP活性测定法分析材料表面培养的MC3T3-E1细胞黏附、增殖和分化情况。采用SPSS13.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果随着电解液中Zn浓度的增加,S₀~S₄组（Ca+Zn）/P比值分别为2.94、2.64、2.71、2.87和2.72,其中,在S₃组时达到最大,S₄组时降低。MC3T3-E1细胞在5组材料表面黏附、增殖和分化能力,依次为S₃>S₄>S₂>S₁>S₀,各组之间差异具有显著性（P<0.05）。结论应用微弧氧化法在纯钛表面制备的不同含量Ca、P、Zn涂层,随着（Ca+Zn）/P比值的增大,成骨细胞的黏附、增殖和分化能力随之增强。其中,（Ca+Zn）/P比值为2.87时,细胞的生物活性最佳。     

Surface analysis of machined versus sandblasted and acid-etched titanium implants

Initially, implant surface analyses were performed on 10 machined implants and on 10 sandblasted and acid-etched implants. Subsequently, sandblasted and acid-etched implant cytotoxicity (using L929 mouse fibroblasts), morphologic differences between cells (osteoblast-like cells MG63) adhering to the machined implant surfaces, and cell anchorage to sandblasted and acid-etched implant surfaces were evaluated. Results indicated that acid etching with 1% hydrofluoric acid/30% nitric acid after sandblasting eliminated residual alumina particles. The average roughness (Ra) of sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces was about 2.15 microns. Cytotoxicity tests showed that sandblasted and acid-etched implants had non-cytotoxic cellular effects and appeared to be biocompatible. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed that the surface roughness produced by sandblasting and acid etching could affect cell adhesion mechanisms. Osteoblast-like cells adhering to the machined implants presented a very flat configuration, while the same cells adhering to the sandblasted and acid-etched surfaces showed an irregular morphology and many pseudopodi. These morphologic irregularities could improve initial cell anchorage, providing better osseointegration for sandblasted and acid-etched implants.     

Histologic evaluation of human bone integration on machined and sandblasted acid-etched titanium surfaces in type IV bone

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the influence of a sandblasted acid-etched surface on bone-implant contact percentage (BIC%) as well as the bone density in the threads area (BD%) in type 4 bone after 2 months of unloaded healing. Five subjects (mean age = 42.6 years) received 2 microimplants each during conventional implant surgery in the posterior maxilla. The microimplants with commercially pure titanium surface (machined) and sandblasted acid-etched surface served as the control and test surfaces, respectively. After a healing period of 2 months, the microimplants and the surrounding tissue were removed and prepared for ground sectioning and histomorphometric analysis. One microimplant with a machined surface was found to be clinically unstable at the time of retrieval. Histometric evaluation indicated mean BIC% was 20.66+/-14.54% and 40.08+/- 9.89% for machined and sandblasted acid-etched surfaces, respectively (P=.03). The BD% was 26.33 +/-19.92% for machined surface and 54.84+/-22.77% for sandblasted acid-etched surface (P=.015). Within the limits of this study, the data suggest that the sandblasted acid-etched implant surface presented a higher percentage of bone-implant contact compared with machined surfaces, under unloaded conditions in posterior maxilla after a healing period of 2 months.     

Enhanced osteoblast response to electrical discharge machining surface

The purpose of this study is to investigate the surface characteristics and biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) surfaces modified by wire electrical discharge machining (EDM). EDM surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thin-film X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and contact angle measurements. MC3T3-E1 cell morphology, attachment and proliferation, as well as analysis of osteoblastic gene expressions, on machined surfaces and EDM surfaces were also evaluated. EDM surfaces exhibited high super hydrophilicity, due to high surface energy. XPS and XRD revealed that a passive oxide layer with certain developing thickness onto. EDM surfaces promoted cell attachment, but restrained proliferation. Counted cell numbers increased significantly on the machined surfaces as compared to the EDM surfaces. Real-time PCR analyses showed significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of osteoblastic genes (ALP, osteocalcin, Runx2, Osterix) in cells cultured on the EDM surfaces as compared to cells cultured on the machined surfaces.     

Effects of implant microtopography on osteoblast cell attachment

PURPOSE: The overall aim of this project was to study osteoblast cell attachment on titanium surfaces with varying surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially pure titanium surfaces were prepared by polishing through 600-grit sandpaper, sandblasting, or sandblasting followed by acid etching to produce surfaces of varying roughness, as determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. In vitro cell attachment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts was performed on the prepared surfaces in both serum-containing and serum-free media conditions. RESULTS: Cell attachment was directly related to the average surface roughness, with the highest levels of cell attachment observed on sandblasted and sandblasted-acidetched surfaces. Similar patterns of cell attachment were observed when serum-free conditions were employed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined surface analytical and cell/molecular biological techniques are powerful tools to broaden our understanding of biological events occurring at the implant-tissue interface. Data acquired from these in vitro techniques provide a translational application to in vivo clinical models leading to the next generation of dental implants.     

多孔钛的骨传导性及其孔隙结构对MC3T3-E1细胞早期分化的影响

目的 探讨多孔钛的骨传导性及其孔隙结构对小鼠前成骨细胞MC3T3-E1早期分化的影响.方法 碳酸氢铵造孔剂结合粉末冶金法制备6组由不同平均孔隙率及不同平均孔径组合的多孔钛试样,即AⅠ（43.1±0.7）％和（154.8±11.9） μm AⅡ：（40.9±1.5）％和（295.6±8.5） μm AⅡ （44.3±1.1）％和（560.4±25.6） μm;BⅠ：（53.3±1.2）％和（191.6±3.7） μm; BⅡ.（51.7±2.7）％和（303.8±8.2） μm; BⅢ：（49.9±3.9）％和（583.1±21.7） μm,Ta2级商业致密纯钛作为对照组;每组3个试样.MC3T3-E1细胞接种于24孔板3h贴壁后置入多孔钛试样,培养3d和5d后激光扫描共聚焦显微镜（LSCM）观察经FITC微丝蛋白荧光探针标记的细胞.MC3T3-E1细胞接种于已置入试样的24孔板,培养7d和14d后测定碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase,ALP）活性,评价细胞的早期分化能力;培养21d后茜素红染色观察细胞晚期矿化结节.结果 MC3T3-E1细胞贴壁后,5d可长人多孔钛孔内及表面.7d和14d多孔钛组ALP活性显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）;其中BⅠ组在14d的ALP活性显著高于其它各组（P＜0.05）.21d多孔钛试样表面及孔隙内均可见钙结节形成.结论 在本实验条件下,多孔钛具有一定的骨传导性;平均孔隙率为53.3％且平均孔径为191.6 μm的多孔钛利于MC3T3-E1细胞的早期分化.     

Spreading of epithelial cells on machined and sandblasted titanium surfaces: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of the surface structure of dental implants on epithelial cell spreading and growth in vitro. Cell morphology on machined and sandblasted titanium surfaces was investigated. METHODS: A total of 10 machined and 10 sandblasted discs and 10 glass coverslips were used for the present study. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the cell spreading area was determined using a video image analysis system. RESULTS: After 24 hours incubation, keratinocytes grown on sandblasted titanium samples displayed numerous, long, and branched or dendritic filopodia closely adapted to the surface roughness. Filopodia varied from 3 to 12 microm in length and 0.1 to 0.3 microm in width. Cells cultured on a machined surface did not present such cytoplasmic extensions and displayed a round morphology. Keratinocytes seeded on glass coverslips were flat and edged by filopodia (maximum length 7 to 8 microm) on the spreading site of the cluster. Though cell morphology is comparable with that observed on sandblasted specimens, cytoplasmic extensions suggestive of strong adhesion and spreading attitude were less pronounced. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that sandblasted surfaces are the optimal substrata for epithelial cell adhesion and spreading.     

Effects of Nd: YAG laser, air-abrasion and acid-etching on human enamel and dentin

The effects of the Nd:YAG laser, air-abrasion and acid-etching systems on mineral content and surface morphology of cut dentin and enamel were examined in 10 extracted human teeth. Enamel specimens were lased for two seconds at a fluence of 0.75 J and a frequency of 15 Hz, air-abraded for two seconds with 50 micron Al-oxide and etched for 60 seconds with 37% ortho-phosphoric acid. Dentinal specimens were subjected to the same procedure for half the time. Untreated areas of the same specimens served as the control. Morphologically, the lased dentin showed an apparently melted surface with partial obstruction of the dentin tubules, as well as cracks along the lased surface. Air-abrasion created very irregular surfaces on enamel and dentin. Dentin tubules were observed on the acid-etched dentin samples but not the air-abraded surfaces. The Nd:YAG laser created the most surface irregularity on both enamel and dentin. Laser treatment appeared to alter the chemical structure and surface morphology of the dentin and enamel.     

喷砂酸蚀对钛铌锆锡合金表面成骨细胞粘附、增殖和分化的影响

目的:研究喷砂酸蚀(SLA)对钛及钛铌锆锡合金(Ti-24Nb-4Zr-7.9Sn,TNZS)表面形貌的影响,观察合金的形貌学特征,评价其生物相容性。方法:将试样分为钛机械打磨并抛光组(Ti组),钛铌锆锡机械打磨并抛光组(TNZS组),钛喷砂酸蚀组(Ti-SLA组)和钛铌锆锡喷砂酸蚀组(TNZS-SLA组),共4组。通过扫描电镜观察各组试样的表面形貌,3D激光共聚焦显微镜和接触角测量仪测量各组试样表面的粗糙度与亲水性。接种MC3T3-E1小鼠前成骨细胞于各组试样表面,检测细胞在试样表面的粘附、增殖与矿化的能力,评估其生物相容性。结果:SLA处理后在材料表面形成纳米级及微米级的凹坑,产生均匀分布的粗糙结构,经过处理后材料仍保持亲水性。细胞在TNZS组上短期粘附明显高于其它组(P<0.05),TNZS-SLA组细胞增殖、分化能力均明显高于其它组(P<0.05)。结论:喷砂酸蚀后材料表面相对于光滑材料表面能更有效的促进成骨细胞在其表面增殖、分化,经喷砂酸蚀的钛铌锆锡合金具有良好的细胞相容性。     

Immunolocalization of fibronectin and vitronectin receptors in human gingival fibroblasts spreading on titanium surfaces

The adhesion and spreading of human gingival fibroblasls on glass and differently processed titanium surfaces was studied by immunolocalization of vinculin and the alpha and beta subunits of the fibronectin (α₅β₁) and vitronectin (α_vβ3) receptors. Vinculin-containing focal contacts were present both at 4 and 24 h of spreading in cells grown on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces but not in cells spreading on sandblasted titanium surfaces. Immunostaining for the α5 and β1 subunits of the fibronectin receptor showed only a diffuse membrane fluorescence after 4 h of cell spreading irrespective of the growth surface. The α_v and β₃ subunits of the vitronectin receptor were at this stage detected in focal contacts in cells spreading on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces. In cells spreading on sandblasted titanium surfaces, however, the vitronectin receptor had only a diffuse distribution. In cells that had been allowed to spread for 24 h on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces the α₅ and β₁ integrin subunits were either diffusely distributed or showed a localization typical of extracellular matrix contacts. The α_v and β₃ integrin subunits were, as earlier, localized to typical focal contacts in cells grown on glass or electropolished or etched titanium surfaces. Cells attached to sandblasted titanium surfaces still expressed all the integrin subunits only diffusely. The results show that the surface texture of the substratum can affect the expression of integrin subunits in human gingival fibroblasts. As evidenced by the recruitment of integrin subunits to focal and extracellular matrix contacts, smooth or finely grooved titanium surfaces appear to be optimal in supporting the attachment of human gingival fibroblasts.     

Biomechanical evaluation of a titanium implant surface conditioned by a hydroxide ion solution

Two groups of titanium dental implants, identical in geometry but different in the treatment of their surfaces, were tested in an in vivo minipig model of the mandible. The surfaces that were tested were, first, sandblasted and acid-etched; and secondly, sandblasted, acid-etched, and conditioned. The removal torque was assessed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after implantation (n=6 animals in each healing period). The interfacial stiffness was also evaluated. All dental implants were well-integrated at the time of death. Removal torque values increased significantly over the course of 8 weeks. Removal torque and interfacial stiffness were increased for conditioned surfaces after 2 weeks, but there were no significant differences between the two surfaces. The sandblasted and acid-etched implants are the standard, and conditioning of the surface showed a tendency to increase early peri-implant formation of bone.     

喷砂酸蚀对超细晶纯钛表面MC3T3-E1细胞粘附与增殖的影响

目的:研究喷砂酸蚀对超细晶纯钛表面MC3T3-E1细胞粘附与增殖的影响。方法:将超细晶纯钛棒和纯钛棒切割为直径6 mm,厚度3 mm钛片试件,试验组为喷砂酸蚀超细晶纯钛组,对照组分别为未处理的超细晶纯钛组和喷砂酸蚀纯钛组。在对其表面形貌特征和亲水性进行检测后,在试件表面接种MC3T3-E1细胞,观察细胞的初期粘附情况,测定细胞密度,存活和生长状态。结果:喷砂酸蚀超细晶纯钛后,其表面形成大量微小的弹坑状凹陷,且表面具有良好的亲水性。接种细胞后,喷砂酸蚀超细晶纯钛初期粘附优于对照组;细胞密度在培养中后期优于对照组;而细胞活性在培养中期优于两对照组,培养后期3组间无明显差异。结论:喷砂酸蚀超细晶纯钛的表面性能得到改善,能诱导MC3T3-E1细胞在其表面粘附和增殖,可作为纯钛种植体种植体的替代材料。     

不同粗化处理对超细晶纯钛表面性能的影响

目的:研究不同粗化处理对超细晶纯钛表面性能及成骨细胞黏附和增殖的影响.方法:将超细晶纯钛棒切割为直径7 mm、厚度2mm的试件,按不同喷砂压力(0.2～0.8 MPa)分组,对其表面进行喷砂酸蚀处理,对照组为普通纯钛.通过表面形貌、粗糙度、亲水性研究材料的表面性能,然后将大鼠胚胎成骨细胞(MC3T3-E1)接种到各组钛片表面,观察细胞初期黏附形态,测定其增殖密度.结果:超细晶纯钛粗化处理后,表面呈现出由喷砂和酸蚀所形成的大小不同的弹坑状双层结构.随着喷砂压力增大,超细晶纯钛表面坑孔直径和粗糙度逐渐增大,但二者均小于普通纯钛对照组(P＜0.05).超细晶纯钛亲水性也随喷砂压力变化而改变,当喷砂压力为0.6 MPa时表现出最佳表面亲水性能.接种细胞后,实验组细胞初期黏附形态优于对照组,当喷砂压力为0.6 MPa时细胞增殖密度最大.结论:对超细晶纯钛喷砂酸蚀处理,喷砂压力为0.6 MPa时,材料表面形貌优于普通纯钛,粗糙度适宜,亲水性良好,更有利于细胞黏附和增殖.     

Polyspecies biofilm formation on implant surfaces with different surface characteristics

Objective:

To investigate the microbial adherence and colonization of a polyspecies biofilm on 7 differently processed titanium surfaces.

Material and Methods:

Six-species biofilms were formed anaerobically on 5-mm-diameter sterilized, saliva-preconditioned titanium discs. Material surfaces used were either machined, stained, acid-etched or sandblasted/acid-etched (SLA). Samples of the latter two materials were also provided in a chemically modified form, with increased wettability characteristics. Surface roughness and contact angles of all materials were determined. The discs were then incubated anaerobically for up to 16.5 h. Initial microbial adherence was evaluated after 20 min incubation and further colonization after 2, 4, 8, and 16.5 h using non-selective and selective culture techniques. Results at different time points were compared using ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc analysis.

Results:

The mean differences in microorganisms colonizing after the first 20 min were in a very narrow range (4.5 to 4.8 log CFU). At up to 16.5 h, the modified SLA surface exhibited the highest values for colonization (6.9±0.2 log CFU, p<0.05) but increasing growth was observed on all test surfaces over time. Discrepancies among bacterial strains on the differently crafted titanium surfaces were very similar to those described for total log CFU. F. nucleatum was below the detection limit on all surfaces after 4 h.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, surface roughness had a moderate influence on biofilm formation, while wettability did not seem to influence biofilm formation under the experimental conditions described. The modified SLA surface showed the highest trend for bacterial colonization.     

Effects of an Er:YAG laser and the Vector ultrasonic system on the biocompatibility of titanium implants in cultures of human osteoblast-like cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of an Er:YAG laser (ERL) and the Vector ultrasonic system (VS) on the biocompatibility of titanium implants in cultures of human osteoblast-like cells (SAOS-2). One hundred and sixty-eight titanium discs with four different surfaces (sand-blasted and acid-etched, titanium plasma-sprayed, machine-polished, and hydroxyapatite-coated) were used to evaluate cell attachment. The samples were equally and randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) an ERL at an energy level of 100 mJ/pulse and 10 Hz using a special application tip, (2) the VS using carbon fibre tips, or (3) untreated control (C). The discs were placed in culture plates, covered with a solution of SAOS-2 cells, and incubated for 7 days. The specimens were then washed with phosphate buffer to remove cells not attached to the surface, and the adherent cells were stained with hematoxilin-eosin. Cells were counted using a reflected light microscope and the cell density per mm2 was calculated. Additionally, cell morphology and surface alterations of the titanium discs after treatment were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All titanium discs treated with ERL demonstrated nearly the same cell density per mm2 as the untreated C surfaces. There was a significant decrease in the number of cells that attached to the implant surfaces treated with VS. The SEM examination showed no visible differences between lased and C titanium surfaces. All surfaces treated with VS showed conspicuous surface damage and debris of the used carbon fibres. The results of the present study indicate that (i) ERL does not damage titanium surfaces and subsequently does not influence the attachment rate of SAOS-2 cells, and (ii) VS, used with this type of carbon fibre tip, does not seem to be suitable for the instrumentation of titanium surfaces.     

TiO_2喷砂酸蚀处理对钛片表面氧化膜及成骨细胞生长影响的研究

目的研究纯钛钛片经喷砂及喷砂酸蚀处理后,表面氧化膜金相结构和化学成分的变化及对成骨细胞黏附和生长特性的影响。方法将直径为15 mm、厚度为1 mm的纯钛钛片分4组进行表面处理：1）机械打磨组（S0）;2）喷砂组（SB）;3）喷砂酸蚀1组（SLA1）;4）喷砂酸蚀2组（SLA2）。采用电子探针分析仪及X射线衍射仪检测4组钛片表面氧化膜的厚度、化学成分以及金相结构,扫描电镜观察其表面微观形态。而后将成骨细胞培养于4组钛片表面,采用MTT法分析比较4组钛片表面对成骨细胞黏附率以及增殖率的影响。结果与S0组相比,SB、SLA1、SLA2组的粗糙度明显增大（P<0.05）。SB、SLA1、SLA2组间表面平均粗糙度差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。酸蚀处理使喷砂形成的氧化膜变薄,密度减低,且结构发生改变：原有的金红石型TiO2峰消失,锐钛矿型TiO2减少。在表面平均粗糙度相同条件下,SB组钛片表面氧化膜均匀致密,有利于成骨细胞早期的黏附和增殖。结论喷砂和喷砂酸蚀处理均增加了钛片表面的粗糙度,有利于成骨细胞的黏附和增殖,但酸蚀使TiO2喷砂表面的氧化膜层变薄,在平均粗糙度不变的情况下,单纯喷砂表面成骨细胞的黏附和增殖优于喷砂酸蚀处理表面。     

Bacterial inactivation/sterilization by argon plasma treatment on contaminated titanium implant surfaces:In vitro study

Background

Surface treatment by argon plasma is widely used as the last step of the manufacturing process of titanium implant fixtures before their sterilization by gamma rays. The possibility of using such a technology in the daily clinical practice is particularly fascinating. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the argon plasma treatment on different titanium implant surfaces previously exposed In vitro to bacterial contamination.

Material and Methods

Sterile c.p. titanium implant discs with turned (T, Sa: 0.8 µm ), sandblasted/acid-etched (SAE, Sa: 1.3 µm) and titanium plasma sprayed (TPS, Sa: 3.0µm) surface were used in this study. A strain of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans ATCC3718 was grown at 37°C under anaerobic conditions for 24 h and then transferred on six discs for each of the three surface types. After 24 hours, a half of the contaminated discs (control group) were directly used to evaluate the colony forming units (CFUs). The other half of the contaminated discs (test group) were treated in an argon plasma chamber for 12 minutes at room temperature prior to be analyzed for CFU counting. All assays were performed using triplicate samples of each material in 3 different experiments.

Results

When the CFU counting was carried out on control discs, a total of 1.50x106±1.4x105, 1.55x106±7.07x104 and 3.15x106±2.12x105 CFU was respectively assessed for T, SAE and TPS discs, without statistically significant differences among the three surfaces. On the contrary, any trace of bacterial contamination was assessed for titanium discs treated in the argon plasma chamber prior to be analyzed, irrespectively to the implant surface tested.

Conclusions

Within the limit of this study, reported data suggested that the argon plasma technology could be efficiently used to decontaminate/sterilize previously infected titanium implant surfaces. Key words:Argon plasma, titanium implant surface, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.