Flaxseed-coated titanium: a natural antibacterial strategy for dental implants

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) has been used since ancient times for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It is increasingly recognized for its rich content of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. In the field of dentistry, titanium (Ti) is widely utilized for implants due to its biocompatibility; however, implant-associated infections remain a clinical concern. This has led to interest in natural bioactive coatings that could enhance antimicrobial protection. This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of flaxseed-coated titanium plates against common oral pathogens. Titanium specimens were coated with flaxseed extract and tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis using agar diffusion methods. Zones of inhibition were measured and compared to positive (broth) and negative (ethanol) controls. Experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The flaxseed-coated titanium exhibited measurable antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition comparable to those produced by ethanol and broth. Notably, the combination of flaxseed and ethanol showed enhanced antimicrobial effects against both bacterial strains. The findings demonstrate that flaxseed extract has promising antimicrobial potential when used as a coating on titanium surfaces. This natural, plant-based approach may contribute to the development of antimicrobial dental implants and help reduce postoperative complications related to infection.