Bioactive Salicylic Acid Containing Coating for Dental Implants to Combat Infection and Inflammation

Abstract The long‐term stability of dental implants depends on successful osseointegration and on the soft tissue interface seal formed between the implant and gingiva. This seal plays a pivotal role in blocking the entry of microorganisms, thereby preventing the onset of common implant‐associated diseases, e.g., peri‐implantitis. Bioactive coatings constitute a promising approach to modulate tissue response around dental implants but are associated with challenges in simultaneously achieving antimicrobial effects as well as controlling inflammation. This study reports a salicylic acid‐based bioactive coating, which is facile to synthesize and can be easily applied on metallic surfaces like titanium. The local release of salicylic acid exhibits potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and modulates the immune response to coated surfaces by decreased expression of proinflammatory macrophage markers. The differentiation of fibroblasts into the myofibroblast phenotype, which is essential for wound healing due to their contractile properties is unaffected. The coating also displays antithrombogenic capabilities due to the anticoagulation property of salicylic acid; without negatively influencing mineralization of human bone progenitor cells. With salicylic acid being an inexpensive biomolecule, this bioactive coating represents a promising approach to improve the acceptance and function of dental implants and possibly other implant types.