The biofilm removal effect and osteogenic potential on the titanium surface by electrolytic cleaning: An in vitro comparison of electrolytic parameters and five techniques

Abstract Objectives To determine the optimal current and time of electrolytic cleaning (EC), compare its biofilm removal effect with generic treatments and evaluate the influence of EC to surface characteristics and osteogenic potential of SLA titanium (Ti) discs. Materials and Methods The six‐species biofilm‐covered Ti discs were placed as cathodes in physiologic saline and subjected to various current and time treatments. The residual biofilms were evaluated to determine the optimal parameters. The contaminated Ti discs were randomized and treated by rotating Ti brush; ultrasonic‐scaling with metal tips; ultrasonic‐scaling with PEEK tips; air‐polishing and EC. The residual biofilms were compared using a lipopolysaccharide kit (LPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy and colony‐forming unit counting. Non‐contaminated Ti discs were treated and characterized. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured on treated non‐contaminated Ti discs. The adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin level of BMSCs were assessed. Results The parameters at 0.6A5min were considered optimal. For LPS and SEM, EC promoted a significantly greater biofilm removal than the other groups. There were no changes in the Ti discs' colour, topography, roughness and chemical elements after EC, and the electrolysis‐treated Ti discs obtained a super‐hydrophilic surface. EC positively impacted the proliferation and ALP activity of BMSCs, surpassing the efficacy of alternative treatments. Conclusions EC achieves a near‐complete eradication of contaminants on the SLA surface, causes no surface damage with improved hydrophilicity, and promotes the early osteogenic response of BMSCs, which makes it a promising treatment for peri‐implantitis.