Rhamnolipid coating reduces microbial biofilm formation on titanium implants: an in vitro study

Abstract Background Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are biofilm-related diseases causing major concern in oral implantology, requiring complex anti-infective procedures or implant removal. Microbial biosurfactants emerged as new anti-biofilm agents for coating implantable devices preserving biocompatibility. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) reduce Staphylococcus aureus epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium. Methods R89BS was physically adsorbed titanium discs (TDs). Cytotoxicity coated TDs evaluated normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5) using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The ability inhibit by quantifying biomass cell metabolic activity, at different time-points, with respect uncoated controls. A qualitative analysis sessile bacteria also performed scanning electron microscopy. Results R89BS-coated showed no cytotoxic effects. 4 mg/mL inhibited S. 99%, 47% 7% 54%, 29%, 10% 24, 48 72 h respectively. significant reduction activity documented. same applied three commercial surfaces resulted inhibition higher than 90% , up 78% 24 h. Conclusions R89BS-coating effective reducing surface. action can be obtained several commercially available surfaces, independently their surface morphology.