Role of chloride formed on anodized titanium surfaces against an oral microorganism.

ABSTRACT

A modified titanium surface, anodized after being discharged in electrolytes, provides antibacterial activity against oral bacteria as well as osteoconductivity. However, the mechanism of this antibacterial effect against oral bacteria is still unclear. This study aims to investigate whether it is the chloride or the hydrophilicity properties of the anodized titanium, which is effective against the oral bacteria. Titanium plates are anodized in various electrolytes with or without chloride and are characterized. Then the survival of Streptococcus mutans on each specimen is evaluated. The results demonstrate that the peroxidation effects of HClO generated from the TiCl(3) formed on the titanium surface anodized in various chloride solutions efficiently killed adherent S. mutans on the surface whereas the presence of hydrophilicity alone do not demonstrate antibacterial activity. This method of anodizing titanium surface in a chloride solution may provide a novel strategy for use in orthopedic or dental implant systems.