Evaluation of antibacterial potential of oxygenation agent on titanium surfaces: In vitro study

Background Peri-implantitis management remains an evolving field, and no gold standard treatment exists. Although oxygen-based agents show promise in periodontal therapy, there’s limited data on their use in peri-implantitis. This study is aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial activity of an Oxygen-rich fluid (ORF) against titanium surface infected with peri-implant colonizing bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). Materials and Methods Titanium discs inoculated with E. coli or S. aureus were assigned to 100% ORF, ORF at its MIC, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as a positive control, or broth as a negative control. Discs were exposed to 1 mL of the assigned solution for 1 min, then assessed for viable bacteria by colony-forming units (CFU) and biofilm adhesion by crystal violet staining (OD600). Surface morphology was examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Results ORF showed a downward trend in bacterial load and biofilm adhesion on Ti discs against both E. coli and S. aureus . CHX produced the greatest reduction, while 100% ORF showed an intermediate effect and MIC ORF the least reduction. However, after post hoc analysis, only the CHX vs control comparison remained statistically significant (p< 0.002). FE-SEM images showing clear membrane disruption CHX and 100% ORF groups, while MIC ORF group exposure left more intact membrane boundaries. Conclusion ORF showed a favorable trend in reducing E. coli and S. aureus bacterial counts and biofilm attachment on titanium surfaces, although CHX remained more effective.