The mechanical and chemical surface modifications of titanium (Ti) due to corrosion attack into the oral cavity may be an important factor for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) affinity and thereby could contribute to periimplantitis. We hypothesized that corrosion (in simulated oral environment at pHs 3, 6.5 and 9 of artificial saliva) increases the LPS affinity for commercially-pure titanium (cp-Ti) and Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Ti discs were anodically polarized in a standard 3-electrode setting within a controlled environment. Control specimens were not corroded. Specimens were treated with LPS in sterile/deionized water (1.5, 15 and 150 μg/ml) for 24 h to evaluated LPS adherence. Discs were then transferred every 24 h to fresh LPS-free water for up to 72 h to investigate LPS elution. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, and t -tests and Tukey’s tests were further used as post hoc techniques ( α = .05). Acidic saliva increased the corrosion rate of cp-Ti and Ti–6Al–4V alloy, and promoted greater LPS adherence to Ti surfaces ( P < .05). Ti–6Al–4V alloy exhibited greater LPS affinity compared to cp-Ti ( P < .05). LPS elution was greatest at 24-h interval and reduced over time. However, even after 72 h of elution, greater than 99.9% of initially adhering LPS remained on the surface of both Ti types. Corrosion process increased the LPS affinity for cp-Ti and Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Clinically, corrosion of Ti and its surface affinity for LPS could influence periimplant inflammation and implant prognosis.

Conflict of interest: None declared.