Direct-Deposited Graphene Oxide on Dental Implants for Antimicrobial Activities and Osteogenesis.

Objective: To determine the effects of graphene oxide (GO) deposition (on a zirconia surface) on bacterial adhesion and osteoblast activation.

Methods: An atmospheric pressure plasma generator (PGS-300) was used to coat Ar/CH mixed gas onto zirconia specimens (15-mm diameter × 2.5-mm thick disks) at a rate of 10 L/min and 240 V. Zirconia specimens were divided into two groups: uncoated (control; Zr) group and GO-coated (Zr-GO) group. Surface characteristics and element structures of each specimen were evaluated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and contact angle. Additionally, crystal violet staining was performed to assess the adhesion of . WST-8 and ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) assays were conducted to evaluate MC3T3-E1 osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Statistical analysis was calculated by the Mann-Whitney -test.

Results: FE-SEM and Raman spectroscopy demonstrated effective GO deposition on the zirconia surface in Zr-GO. The attachment and biofilm formation of was significantly reduced in Zr-GO compared with that of Zr ( < 0.05). While no significant differences in cell attachment of MC3T3-1 were observed, both proliferation and differentiation were increased in Zr-GO as compared with that of Zr ( < 0.05).

Significance: GO-coated zirconia inhibited the attachment of and stimulated proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Therefore, GO-coated zirconia can prevent peri-implantitis by inhibiting bacterial adhesion. Moreover, its osteogenic ability can increase bone adhesion and success rate of implants.