In vitro Candida albicans biofilm formation on different titanium surface topographies

Abstract

<i>Objectives</i> - To investigate if differences in titanium implant surface topography influence <i>Candida albicans</i> biofilm formation.<p>

<p><i>Materials and Methods</i> - Titanium discs were prepared and characterized using a profilometer: Group A (<i>R</i>_a 0.15 µm, smooth), Group B (<i>R</i> _a 0.64 µm, minimally rough) and Group C (<i>R</i> _a 1.3 µm, moderately rough). Contact angle and surface free energy (SFE) were determined for each group. Non-preconditioned titanium discs were incubated with <i>C. albicans</i> for 24 h. In additional experiments, the titanium discs were initially coated with human saliva, bovine serum albumin or phosphate-buffered saline for 2 h before incubation with <i>C. albicans</i> for 24 h. The amount of fungal biofilm formation was quantified using a colorimetric assay.<p>

<p><i>Results</i> - <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation was significantly lower (<i>p</i> < 0.05) on the minimally rough titanium surface compared to smooth and moderately rough surfaces. The titanium surface displaying the lowest SFE (Group B) was associated with significantly lower (<i>p</i> < 0.05) <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation than the other two groups. Salivary coating resulted in greater adherence of <i>C. albicans</i> with increased surface roughness.<p>

<p><i>Conclusions</i> - The minimally rough titanium discs displayed lowest SFE compared to smooth and moderately rough surfaces and showed the least <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation. This study demonstrated that <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation increased in a SFE-dependent manner. These findings suggest that SFE might be a more explanatory factor for <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation on titanium surfaces than roughness. The presence of a pellicle coating may negate the impact of SFE on <i>C. albicans</i> biofilm formation on titanium surfaces.