Topographic characterization and in vitro biofilm adhesion to titanium and polypropylene membranes used for alveolar preservation

BACKGROUND: Nonresorbable membranes have been widely used in guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures in posttooth extraction alveoli. In this context, one of the properties suggested by the GBR technique is that these barriers, when exposed to the oral environment, control or prevent the infiltration of connective and epithelial tissue cells, favoring the proliferation of bone cells inside the alveolus, without the growth of biofilm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study evaluated the topographic characteristics and in vitro biofilm adhesion on membranes used for alveolar preservation, bone Heal™ and Titanium Seal™. Fragments of these membranes (5 mm × 5 mm) were used for all experiments. The topographical morphology and chemical characterization of the membranes were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and dispersive energy X-ray spectroscopy, respectively. For the in vitro biofilm adhesion assay, samples were immersed in Candida albicans (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 10231) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) mixed biofilm for 7 and 14 days. Biofilm formation was measured by quantitative analysis with crystal violet aqueous solution, in a spectrophotometer, with a wavelength of 590 nm. RESULTS: The ultrastructural images showed a rough surface for the titanium membrane, without homogeneity in the surface structure, while the polypropylene membrane presented a smoother surface without depressions. The chemical composition of the membranes by Ehlers–Danlos syndrome has identified the presence of copolymer and traces of zinc for the polypropylene membrane; in contrast, the titanium membrane revealed the unique presence of titanium. In addition, there was a decrease in biofilm formation on the surface of the titanium membrane compared to polypropylene (P < 0.05), at both evaluated times. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that despite the greater heterogeneity of the titanium membrane surface, the results showed less biofilm formation on this membrane (P < 0.05), which may be indicated in cases of oral cavity exposure.