Development of dental implants with antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Planktonic bacteria are capable of forming biofilms, which are described as microbial aggregates embedded within a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and are found attached to abiotic or biotic surfaces (1,2). The EPS contains exopolysaccharides, nucleic acids , proteins and lipids forming a protective matrix surrounding bacterial cells (3) . Bacteria attach to the EPS facilitating cellcell communication and cell-surface interactions (4) . The biofilm matrix is important in maintaining the biofilm lifestyle, it has an influence on microbial behaviour, virulence and tolerance to antimicrobials