Treatment of dental implant surfaces with graphene oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and assessment of antimicrobial potential

This study assesses the synthesis and characterization of titanium implant surface nanocoating with graphene oxide (GO) at varying concentrations. Nanocoatings were applied using the dip coating technique, and GO nanoparticles were synthesized chemically. Physicochemical, morphological, and biological characterizations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, in vitro bioactivity assay, cell viability, and colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Cell viability data were subjected to two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test (α = 0.05). CFU/mL data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test (α = 0.05). TEM revealed a sheet-like structure of GO nanoparticles. SEM showed the roughness of the nanocoated titanium surface. Raman spectroscopy indicated the presence of GO on the titanium surface, as evidenced by D and G bands. Higher apatite crystal deposition was observed on surfaces with greater GO concentrations at 7 and 14 days (bioactivity assay). The highest percentage of cell viability was noted in the 1.5% GO group after 48 h, compared to other groups at different time points (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Surface treatment with varying GO concentrations induced greater cell viability compared to the acidic treatment (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The 1.5% GO group showed the lowest antibacterial efficacy, as evidenced by the highest CFU/mL values (<i>p</i> < 0.05). GO particles remained stable and chemically unchanged during the coating process. The GO-coated titanium surfaces showed no cytotoxicity and exhibited notable bioactive and antibacterial effects against <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>. These findings suggest that GO coatings may effectively enhance the biological and antimicrobial performance of titanium implants.