DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SELENIUM CONVERSION COATINGON TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR IMPROVED OSSEOINTEGRATION

Background: With the increase in the incidence of peri-implant complications, the development of implant surface coatings focused on improving osseointegration is the need of the hour. The aim of this study was the development and characterization of selenium conversion coatings on titanium dental implants, representing an innovative approach to enhancing osseointegration. Materials and methods: A 0.1 M solution of sodium selenite was prepared by dissolving it in deionized water, with the pH adjusted to 4 using phosphoric acid. Titanium implants were cleaned, etched in 10% sodium hydroxide, and immersed in the selenium solution for 1 hour with agitation. The coated implants were rinsed, dried, and characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), biocompatibility, and corrosion analysis. Student’s independent t-test was performed to compare the biocompatibility of the selenium conversion coating-based titanium implants (Group A) versus bare titanium implants (Group B) at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Results: Material characterization revealed successful development of selenium conversion coating on titanium implant surface that appeared as a generalized rough surface with spherical agglomerates. The coating proved its biocompatibility with greatest percentage of cell viability noted at 24 hours with a p-value of 0.653. No statistically significant difference was noted among both Groups A and B in relation to the biocompatibility. Corrosion analysis revealed the coating to be thermodynamically stable with good corrosion resistance properties. Conclusion: The developed selenium conversion coating has proven its potential for exploration as a dependable implant surface coating. Additionally, extended in vivo studies are needed to validate its clinical effectiveness.