Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of nanostructured dental implant surfaces against Porphyromonas gingivalis, a crucial bacterium in the progression of peri-implantitis. An additional aim was to evaluate the possible effect of the modified implant surface on the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGnFs).
Method and materials: As detailed in prior research, sputtering by helium ions was used to produce nanospiked titanium surfaces with a height of 1,000 nm (Ti1000). Smooth machined (Ti machined) and sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched titanium disks (TiSLA) served as controls. The antibacterial characteristics of the samples against P gingivalis were evaluated by conventional culturing and SEM. The vitality of HGnFs was assessed using the MTT assay.
Results: Generally, nanostructured Ti1000 surfaces exhibited lower bacterial counts than the two controls (Ti1000 vs TiSLA −36% and Ti1000 vs Ti machined −37%) without being statistically significant. Moreover, the nanosurface did not affect the vitality of HGnFs.
Conclusion: The nanospikes of the modified titanium implant surface did not hinder gingival fibroblasts’ vitality or proliferation characteristics. Optimizing the spacing and height parameters of the nanospikes could further improve the antibacterial effects of this unique remodification approach.