Assessment of cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticle-doped titanium alloy surfaces.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to develop silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-doped TiAlV alloy surfaces and investigate their antibacterial properties against representative periopathogens and potential cytotoxicity on osteoblastic cells.

METHODS

AgNPs of different size distributions (5 and 30nm) were incorporated onto the TiAlV surfaces by electrochemical deposition, using colloid silver dispersions with increasing AgNP concentrations (100, 200 and 300ppm). The time-course silver release from the specimen surfaces to cell culture media was assessed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Cell attachment, viability and proliferation were investigated by SEM, live/dead staining MTT and BrdU assays. The antibacterial effects were assessed against P. gingivalis and P. intermedia by serial dilution spotting assays.

RESULTS

A time- and concentration-dependent silver release from the experimental surfaces was observed. Overall, cell viability and attachment on the AgNP-doped surfaces, suggested adequate cytocompatibility at all concentrations. A transient cytotoxic effect was detected at 24h for the 5nm-sized groups that fully recovered at later time-points, while no cytotoxicity was observed for the 30nm-sized groups. A statistically significant, concentration-dependent decrease in cell proliferation rates was induced at 48h in all AgNP groups, followed by recovery at 72h in the groups coated with 5nm-sized AgNPs. A statistically significant, concentration-dependent antibacterial effect up to 30% was confirmed against both periopathogens.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study sheds light to the optimal size-related concentrations of AgNP-doped TiAlV surfaces to achieve antibacterial effects, without subsequent cytotoxicity. These results significantly contribute to the development of antibacterial surfaces for application in oral implantology.