Application of LBL Coatings in the Treatment of Dental Implant-Related Infections

Background

Dental implant-related infections, particularly peri-implantitis, are inflammatory diseases caused by bacterial biofilms, leading to progressive destruction of surrounding tissues. Peri-implantitis not only may result in implant loss but also can trigger more severe health issues. Therefore, stabilizing the condition in the short term and preventing infection spread has become a key focus of current research. Layer-by-Layer (LBL) assembly technology, due to its ability to flexibly combine various substances and directly form multilayer structures at the infection site, is considered a promising method for treating peri-implantitis.

This article, co-authored by Marta Maria Alves Pereira, Rodolfo Piazza, Amanda Paino Santana, and others, was published in the journal ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. It aims to comprehensively explore the application of LBL systems in antimicrobial coatings and drug delivery, particularly their potential in the treatment of peri-implantitis.

Source of the Paper

This study was conducted by a collaborative research team from the School of Dentistry at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil, Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and other institutions. It was published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering in 2025. The research team reviewed the chemical and biological properties of LBL technology and delved into its specific applications in the treatment of peri-implantitis.

Main Content

1. Basic Principles and Advantages of LBL Technology

LBL technology is a method of alternately adsorbing multilayer materials on a substrate through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds, or other secondary interactions. Its advantages include: - Low Cost: LBL coatings can be assembled at room temperature without high pressure or temperature, making them suitable for various materials. - Versatility: LBL can combine natural or synthetic polymers to form thin films with specific functions. - Precise Control: By adjusting the number of layers and materials, the thickness and functionality of the coating can be precisely controlled.

2. Application of LBL in Peri-Implantitis Treatment

The core of peri-implantitis treatment is the removal of bacterial biofilms and control of inflammatory responses. LBL technology can play a role in the following ways: - Antimicrobial Coatings: LBL coatings can incorporate antimicrobial drugs or polymers to directly act on the infection site, inhibiting bacterial growth. - Drug Delivery Systems: LBL coatings can serve as drug carriers, enabling localized drug release and reducing systemic side effects.

3. Chemical and Biological Properties of LBL Coatings

The stability, functionality, and drug release behavior of LBL coatings depend on their chemical interactions. Covalent and non-covalent bonds play key roles in the assembly of LBL coatings: - Covalent Bonds: Cross-linking reactions enhance the mechanical strength and long-term stability of the coatings. - Non-Covalent Bonds: Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds drive the dynamic assembly and drug release of LBL coatings.

4. Physical Properties and Challenges of LBL Coatings

The application of LBL coatings in dental implants faces the following challenges: - Long-Term Efficacy: The durability and antimicrobial effectiveness of coatings in the oral environment require further validation. - Biocompatibility: Coating materials must be compatible with surrounding tissues to avoid triggering inflammation or immune responses. - Drug Release Control: Achieving sustained drug release rather than burst release is a key challenge for the clinical application of LBL technology.

5. Clinical Translation and Future Prospects

Although LBL technology has demonstrated excellent antimicrobial and drug delivery effects in laboratory studies, its clinical translation still faces many challenges. Future research should focus on optimizing the durability, biocompatibility, and drug release mechanisms of coatings, and further validate their safety and efficacy through animal models and clinical trials.

Key Points and Arguments

1. Versatility of LBL Technology

LBL technology can combine various materials to form thin films with specific functions. For example, the research team developed LBL coatings with long-term antimicrobial properties by combining ε-polylysine and gum arabic. Experiments showed that the coating exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

2. Drug Delivery Capability of LBL Coatings

LBL coatings can serve as drug carriers for localized drug release. For instance, the research team successfully achieved sustained drug release by combining tetracycline with anionic beta-cyclodextrin. Experimental results showed that the coating maintained significant antibacterial activity for up to 30 days.

3. Physical Properties of LBL Coatings

The surface roughness and hydrophilicity of LBL coatings significantly affect their biocompatibility and antimicrobial performance. The research team achieved precise control over the surface properties of coatings by adjusting the number of layers and materials. For example, by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG), the team significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the coating, thereby enhancing its compatibility with surrounding tissues.

Conclusion and Significance

This article reviews the application of LBL technology in the treatment of peri-implantitis, revealing its great potential in the fields of antimicrobial coatings and drug delivery. The versatility, low cost, and high precision control of LBL technology make it a powerful tool for treating peri-implantitis. However, its clinical translation still faces many challenges, and future research should focus on optimizing the durability, biocompatibility, and drug release mechanisms of coatings.

Highlights and Value

• Innovation: This article is the first to systematically explore the application of LBL technology in the treatment of peri-implantitis, providing an important reference for future research.
• Application Value: LBL technology can not only be used to treat peri-implantitis but also has broad applications in other biomedical fields, such as wound healing and tissue engineering.
• Scientific Value: Through detailed chemical and biological analysis, this article reveals the drug release mechanisms and antimicrobial performance of LBL coatings, offering new insights for related research.

This article provides comprehensive theoretical support and experimental evidence for the application of LBL technology in the treatment of peri-implantitis, holding significant scientific and practical value.