Cytocompatibility and Antimicrobial Properties of Silver Nanoparticles-Loaded AMPs in the Oral Cavity

Abstract

Postoperative infection following oral metal implantation is a key factor that affects the success rate of surgery. This infection is mainly caused by bacterial biofilms. Traditional single antibacterial coatings have limitations, including a narrow antibacterial spectrum and poor cytotoxicity or stability. This study combined silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the synthetic antimicrobial peptide GL13K using electrostatic self-assembly technology to create a dual-effect antimicrobial coating. The AgNPs were prepared using the chemical reduction method, and the GL13K nanofibers were formed through β-folding self-assembly. These processes utilized their complementary charge characteristics to achieve a precise composite. The experimental results showed that the antibacterial rate of the coating against streptococcus pneumoniae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MRSA was significantly higher than that of a single coating (reducing CFU by 2-3 orders of magnitude, p<0.01). Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) decreased to 1.0±0.3 μ g/mL (synergistic index 0.28). In the dynamic oral environment simulation experiment, the coating exhibited high antibacterial activity at a saliva flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Cell experiments confirmed that it had no effect on the activity of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (p>0.05). The effect of different nanoconcentrations and coating temperature on antibacterial activity was not statistically significant (p>0.05). This study addresses the limitations of traditional coatings by using a collaborative, nanoscale design approach to provide a new strategy for optimizing the antibacterial properties of oral implant materials.