Functionalization of titanium with hybrid phospholipid films containing apatite and silver nanoparticles: surface and microbial profile characterization

• Grant number: 23/14753-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Cássio Do Nascimento
• Grantee: Cássio Do Nascimento
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Paula Ramos ; Ricardo Faria Ribeiro

Abstract

Functionalization of dental implant surfaces aiming to enhance the titanium superficial properties simultaneously favoring osseointegration and minimizing oral biofilm formation has been extensively studied. Relevant osseointegration improvement has been reported but the biofilm control over time is still a major concern on this issue. Modification of titanium surface by adding hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles may contribute to reduce the microorganisms adhesion on the implants without compromising the osseointegration process. This study aims to develop new titanium surfaces bioactivated by phospholipid dihexadecyl phosphate and silver nanoparticles, using the Langmuir-Blodgett film transfer technique. The characterization of the topography and the analysis of the surface properties, morphology, chemical and structural composition of the films will be performed using: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser microscopy, wettability and surface energy tests, infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In situ contamination assay will be carried out to evaluate: (1) cell viability by Live/Dead and MTT tests; and (2) the microbial quantitation and profile using 16S rRNA sequencing, Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization and RT-PCR. Data from descriptive statistics and inference will be presented for quantitative variables according to the homogeneity of variance and distribution of data obtained. (AU)