Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of an experimental low surface-free energy nano-composite coating of enamel and titanium on early plaque formation in situ. Methods: The newly developed experimental organic-inorganic nano-composite surface coating material is composed of nanometer-sized ceranmic particles embedded in a fluoro-alcyl matrix and reveals a surface-free enegy of 18-20 mN/m. Nano-composite coatings were applied on specimens from bovine enamel as well as titanium and heat-polymerized (110 °C or 230 °C, respectively). Nano-composite coated specimens and non-coated controls were attached to the buccal and lingual surfaces of the upper first molars in four adult volunteers using removable intraoral splints, and carried for 24 h. After intraoral exposure specimens were processed for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. Results: On non-coated enamel and titanium control samples a globular-shaped salivary pellicle covered by a multi-layer of adherent bacteria was detected. In contrast, TEM analysis of the nano-composite coated enamel and titanium test pieces indicated strongly reduced pellicle formation, and only few adherent bacteria were observed. In some areas of the nano-composite coated specimens only a 10-20 nm thick, electron dense, basal pellicle layer could be found. In addition, detachment of the adsorbed pellicle layer from the nano-composite coated surfaces was evident in TEM micrographs. Conclusion: It is concluded that experimental nano-composite surface coating provides an "anti-adhesive" and "self-cleaning" effect causing reduced pellicle formation and accelerated removal of adherent bacterial biofilms from enamel and titanium surfaces under in vivo conditions.

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