Objective:
The aim of this investigation was to apply novel antimicrobial nanoparticles formulated from chlorhexidine and hexametaphosphate (CHX-HMP) as a coating for dental implants.
Method:
CHX-HMP nanoparticles were precipitated upon the addition of aqueous chlorhexidine digluconate solution (10 mM) to an aqueous solution of sodium hexametaphosphate (10 mM), under constant stirring. Commercially pure grade II titanium substrates were immersed in the rapidly stirred colloidal nanoparticle suspension for 30 s and then rinsed by immersion in deionised water for 10 s and dried.
Nanoparticle size and surface distribution were investigated using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The antimicrobial efficacy of these surfaces against Streptococcus gordonii was investigated.
Result:
The CHX-HMP nanoparticles had an average size of 156.6 ± 6.8 nm and adhered readily to titanium forming aggregates in discrete regions, surrounded by uncoated titanium (AFM, SEM). Adhesion and proliferation of the ubiquitous oral bacterium S. gordonii were significantly reduced within 24 h by the presence of the CHX-HMP nanoparticles.
Conclusion:
CHX-HMP nanoparticles adhered to clinically relevant titanium substrates. The nanofunctionalised surfaces effectively inhibited adhesion and proliferation of S. gordonii suggesting the potential of this system for dental implant surface coatings.