Influence of Candida albicans-Streptococcus mutans cross-border interactions on the corrosion behaviour of Ti and Ti-Zr in artificial saliva

• Published in: Corrosion science 2024-06, Vol.233, p.112101, Article 112101
• Main Authors: Wu, Jiajie, Zeng, Feng, Chen, Zhaoqing, Chen, Yuxi, Ge, Lin, Teng, Kai, Qu, Qing, Li, Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidogenicity; Cross-kingdom biofilm; Dental material; Microbiologically influenced corrosion
• ISSN: 0010-938X; 1879-0496
• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2024.112101

This study evaluated and compared the corrosion effects of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Candida albicans (C. albicans), and their mixture on implant materials Ti and Ti-Zr. Corrosion tests were conducted in simulated artificial saliva. The results showed differences in biofilm structure, corrosion behavior, and mechanisms between single and mixed bacteria. The cross-kingdom interaction between S. mutans and C. albicans enhanced biofilm maturity and acidity, providing necessary conditions for pitting corrosion. C. albicans played a dominant role in the interaction between C. albicans and S. mutans. Furthermore, Ti-Zr exhibited higher corrosion resistance compared to Ti. •Differences in biofilm structure of single and mixed bacteria cause differences in corrosion behaviour and mechanisms of Ti and Ti-Zr.•Candida albicans plays a dominant role in the interaction between Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans.•The incorporation of Zr as an alloying element is an effective way to develop new alloys with high corrosion resistance and osseointegration capabilities.•The research findings support the fact that microbially-induced accelerated release of metal ions can lead to potential oral diseases.•This is the new exploration of the fungal-bacterial model of microbiologically influenced corrosion behavior in dental implants.