Biofilm Formation and Composition on Different Implant Materials in Vivo

Biofilm formation was evaluated on the following titanium and zirconia implants in vivo: machined titanium (Ti-m), modified titanium (TiUnite), modified zirconia (ZiUnite), machined alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ-m), sandblasted alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ-s), and machined zirconia (TZP-A-m). Bovine enamel slabs were used as controls. Surface morphologies were examined by atomic force (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface wettability was also determined. Twelve healthy volunteers wore a splint system with the tested materials. After 3 and 5 days the materials were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The levels of Streptococcus spp., Veillonella spp., Fusobacteriaum nucleatum, and Actinomyces naeslundii were quantitatively determined. The biofilm thickness was found to be between 19.78 and 36.73 μm after 3 days and between 26.11 and 32.43 μm after 5 days. With the exception of Ti-m the biofilm thickness after 3 days was correlated with surface roughness. In addition to Streptococcus spp. as the main component of the biofilm (11.23-25.30%), F. nucleatum, A. naeslundii, and Veillonella spp. were also detected. No significant differences in biofilm composition on the implant surfaces could be observed. In total, the influence of roughness and material on biofilm formation was compensated by biofilm maturation.