In vitro Antibacterial Effects of Curcumin-loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles inside the Dental Implant Fixture

Infection in implants is a critical problem in the assemblies of two-piece implants.

The purpose of this study was to test in vitro antibacterial effects of curcumin-loaded silica nanoparticles inside the implant fixture.

Forty-five implants in five groups were used for evaluation of the antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The groups were curcumin-containing silica nanoparticles, curcumin-free silica nanoparticles, curcumin, distilled water (negative control), and chlorhexidine (positive control). The mentioned materials in each group were poured into the inner cavity of the implant and then the abutment was closed (torque of 35 Ncm). All implant-abutment sections were dipped in bacterial suspension and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. The inside of each implant was cultured on the surface of the culture plates.

The results showed that curcumin-containing silica nanoparticles affected all three bacterial species and the number of colonies in all three bacteria was significantly reduced. The nanoparticles showed antibacterial effects on S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.05).

The outcomes of this study showed that the curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles can be used inside the implant fixture for benefiting from their antimicrobial properties and further success of implant therapy.