In vitro evaluation of bacterial viability and adhesion of trio bacterial species on surface of titanium and zirconium dental implant abutment

Background: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis are two species of bacteria belonging to the Streptococcus genus. Both S. mutans and S. sanguinis are part of the natural oral microbiota, but their roles and impacts on oral health differ. While S. mutans is associated with tooth decay, S. sanguinis helps maintain oral health by preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria.Methods: Two species of Streptococcus which are S. mutans and S. Sanguinis and the genus Porphyromonas gingivalis were evaluated for their adherence and viability in vitro on Titanium, zirconium and dental implant surfaces, in addition to their individual screw. Two research groups were designed; 3 anvils of titanium included in group 1 and 3 anvils of zirconium included in group 2. The above groups were filtered into tubes containing cultures of bacteria, S. mutans and S. sanguinis, as well as P. gingivalis separately . The incubation time under anaerobic and anaerobic conditions was set at 37 °C for 24 hr. The adjustment in the number of colony-forming units of bacteria was tested for bacterial adherence (CFU). colorimetric test (Methylene blue test) was used for bacterial viability evaluation. For S. mutans, bacterial adhesion was greater in the titanium abutments (185.5 CFU/mL) and higher viability for P. gingivalis were published (71 % ).Results: The results showed that S. mutans recorded the best overall adherence (330 CFU/mL), while the best overall viability recorded with S sanguinis, was demonstrated in the zirconium abutment community (36.4 % ). The greatest adhesion of S. sanguinis was demonstrated by the titanium screws (140.2 CFU/mL) . In contrast with the zirconium fixation screws, the greatest adhesion (144.3 CFU/mL) was observed for S. mutans. S. mutans recorded higher viability in both titanium and zirconium screws.Conclusion: We may infer from this research that bacteria can bind to and thrive in both titanium and zirconium implants, as well as in fixation screws. S mutans demonstrated the strongest adherence to titanium and zirconium surfaces and fastening screws. In comparison, titanium abutments with P. gingivalis have greater bacterial viability than zirconium abutments with S. sanguinis. In both cases, as far as fixation screws are concerned, the feasibility of S. mutans was higher than the other bacteria. In titanium abutments greatest bacterial viability was recorded, while less bacterial adherence.Keywords: S. mutans; S. Sanguinis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Titanium abutments; Zirconium abutmentsEditorial Expression of Concern20 June 2025: Following publication of this paper, the internal audit (consequent to concerns on quality raised by Web of Science) notified Advancements in Life Sciences about insufficient peer review. By this Editorial Expression of Concern, we alert the scientific community of this incidence as we asses if the reported scientific findings are reliable.Editorial Note26 June 2025: Post-publication review of this paper by a member of the editorial board has highlighted significant limitations related to the sample size and the absence of statistical analysis of the reported results. However, as the authors have acknowledged this limitation in the Discussion section, and the previous editorial and peer review process classified this paper as a 'Short Communication', it will remain published. Nonetheless, readers are advised to interpret and use the findings with due consideration of the above comments. The Editorial Expression of Concern is revoked.