Osseointegration, antimicrobial capacity and cytotoxicity of implant materials coated with graphene compounds: A systematic review

The use of graphecs excellent mechanical properties. However, it is necessary to evaluate the biological effects of this material. This systematic review aimed to observe and understand through studies the current state of the art regarding osseointegration, antimicrobial capacity, and the cytotoxicity of graphene coating applied to the surface of dental implant materials. Searches in PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were conducted between June and July 2021 and updated in May 2022 using the keywords: graphene, graphene oxide, dental implants, zirconium, titanium, peek, aluminum, disilicate, methyl-methacrylate, cytotoxicity, osseointegration, and bone regeneration. The criteria included in vivo and in vitro studies that evaluated antimicrobial capacity and/or osseointegration and/or cytotoxicity of dental implant materials coated with graphene compounds. The risk of bias for in vitro studies was assessed by the JBI tool, and for in vivo studies, Syrcle's risk of bias tool for animal studies was used. The database search resulted in 176 articles. Of the 18 articles selected for full reading, 16 remained in this systematic review. The use of graphene compounds as coatings on the surface of implant materials is promising because it promotes osseointegration and has antimicrobial capacity. However, further studies are needed to ensure its cytotoxic potential.