Alternating current electrophoretic deposition of maleic anhydride modified chitosan on Ti implants to combat biofilm formation

Chitosan, a cationic biopolymer, holds promise for diverse applications, including dental implant surface modification, due to its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and antimicrobial properties. However, its limited water solubility at neutral pH complicates its use in alternating current electrophoretic deposition (AC-EPD). This study explores the novel use of water-soluble maleic anhydride modified chitosan (MA-CS) in AC-EPD to create antimicrobial coatings on titanium substrates. We optimize AC-EPD parameters for uniform MA-CS coatings and compare AC-EPD with conventional dipping. AC-EPD MA-CS coatings exhibit enhanced surface topography and amphiphilic, isotropic behavior, while other MA-CS-treated samples display anisotropic, monopolar behavior. We assess AC-EPD MA-CS-coated metallic substrates' biofunctionality, focusing on protein adsorption and antimicrobial properties. These coatings effectively adsorb proteins through diverse interactions with bovine serum albumin. To combat peri-implant diseases, we evaluate antimicrobial activity against oral bacterial communities, showing that AC-EPD successfully concentrates water-soluble MA-CS on titanium without compromising its biological performance. In summary, this study highlights AC-EPD as a versatile, efficient method for depositing polysaccharides in biomedical applications. It offers the potential for enhancing dental implant surface antimicrobial properties, addressing peri-implant diseases, and promoting overall dental health. • Introduction of AC-EPD as alternative to classic dipping for MA-CS coatings • AC-EPD enabled the deposition of dense, homogenous MA-CS coating. • Protein adsorption facilitated through various interactions on AC-EPD coatings. • Enhanced antibacterial properties against a multispecies biofilm model