In Vitro Evaluation of Simvastatin Nanoparticle-Coated Implant HealingAbutments: Cytotoxicity and Antibacterial Properties

INTRODUCTION: Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering drug with pleiotropic effects. Several studies have shown that it may have a protective effect on reducing morbidity and mortality from infections. One of the most devastating complications of orthopedic surgery is ImplantAssociated Infections (IAIs). Recently, newer strategies have been tried to reduce implant-related infections. Nanoparticles with antibacterial properties and coating on the healing implant abutment can improve implant performance. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effects of healing abutments coated with simvastatin nanoparticles (SIM-NPs). METHODS: The MTT assay was used to investigate the biocompatibility, and the time-kill assay was used to assess the antibacterial effect of abutments coated with SIM-NPs. RESULTS: The results showed that SIM-NPs coated on implant healing abutments had no cytotoxic effect. The time-kill assay showed that SIM-NP coating conferred antibacterial activity on implant healing abutments (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The results emphasize the dual advantage of SIM-NP coatings that combine biocompatibility with antibacterial function. Their non-toxic profile protects surrounding tissues, while their antimicrobial function helps prevent initial bacterial attachment and peri-implant infections. CONCLUSION: The observaitons of this study suggest that SIM-NP coatings may be a valuable alternative to systemic antibiotic therapy, thereby reducing the possibility of antibiotic resistance and minimizing systemic side effects. However, additional studies in animal and clinical studies should be conducted before consideration for clinical application.