Light therapy on a functionalized zirconia surface with antimicrobial nanoparticles for dental applications

Abstract

Light therapy on a functionalized zirconia surface with antimicrobial nanoparticles for dental applications Dental implants are considered the best solution for missing teeth but are sometimes associated with complications such as peri-implantitis, which is caused by bacteria and is characterized by tissue inflammation and bone loss which causes dental implants to fail over time [1]. Metal nanoparticles (NPs) can be a good antibacterial agent to be employed in dental implantology to prevent this pathology [2]. Furhermore these nanoparticles in conjunction with light energy, through a process known as photocatalysis, can produce harmful reactive oxygen species and with radiation in the red and near infrared region (660-940 nm) can also induce a localized photothermal therapy. On par with these effects, red and nir light radiation has also been shown to be positive for cell growth [3]. The present work was designed to, first, produce and characterize three different types of nanoparticles (gold, magnesium and zinc), obtained by laser ablation in distilled water and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) using a Nd:YAG laser system. Secondly, validate their adhesion to zirconia surfaces. And finally, with the surfaces prepared, the antibacterial efficacy and cytotoxicity of these surfaces in conjunction with LED light radiation (with wavelengths of around 940, 850, 660 and 450 nm), were addressed, in order to confirm their potential use as an active functionalized antibacterial surface in dental implant abutments, to prevent peri-implantitis disease as shown in Figure 1.