Osteogenic-Antibacterial Bifunctional Implants: Using Proactive Surface Engineering in Implant Dentistry- A Review

ABSTRACT Several surface engineering techniques that can simultaneously promote osteogenesis and have antibacterial activity are supported by convergent data from in vitro, in vivo, and early clinical investigations. These include drug-eluting micro/nanoscale topographies, antimicrobial peptide-functionalized surfaces, metal ion-doped coatings (zinc, silver, copper, and strontium), photocatalytic titanium dioxide modifications, photothermal therapy platforms, and immunomodulatory coatings that suppress bacterial adhesion and reroute macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotypes. It is always possible to achieve dual-function mechanisms without the two biological goals being antagonistic to one another. One important factor influencing long-term implant longevity is bacterial colonization of implant surfaces. Gristina coined the term "race for the surface," which refers to the competition between pathogenic bacteria and host osteogenic cells for early implant surface colonization. Biofilm buildup, peri-implant infection, and ultimately implant loss occurs when the host loses this race. In the age of antimicrobial resistance, conventional approaches—systemic antibiotics and local antiseptics—remain reactive and insufficient. In order to address both sides of the race for the surface through proactive surface engineering, this review critically assesses the evidence base for osteogenic-antibacterial bifunctional implant surfaces that concurrently promote osseointegration while offering sustained prophylactic antibacterial activity. Cite This Paper: Dr. LakshmanaRao Bathala and Dr.Vikas Punia (2026). "Osteogenic-Antibacterial Bifunctional Implants: Using Proactive Surface Engineering in Implant Dentistry- A Review.". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH (IJASTR), vol. 16, Issue 3, 2026, pp. 3/1-3/15. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20092985 KEYWORDS: Bifunctional implant; Osteogenic-antibacterial coating; Osseointegration; Surface engineering.