# Antibacterial PEEK-Ag Surfaces: Development and In Vitro Evaluation Against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

## TL;DR

This study explores using electric current with silver-enhanced PEEK to reduce bacteria in dental care, finding alternating current more effective than direct current.

## Contribution

The study introduces the use of electric current with Ag-enhanced PEEK as a novel antibacterial strategy in dental applications.

## Key findings

- Alternating current (AC) showed greater bacterial reduction than direct current (DC).
- P. aeruginosa was more effectively reduced at 5 mA and 500 nA AC.
- S. aureus showed the greatest reduction at 5 mA and 1 mA AC.

## Abstract

In the pursuit of addressing the persistent challenge of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation in dental care, this study investigates the efficacy of electric current as an alternative strategy, specifically focusing on its application in dental contexts. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), known for its excellent biocompatibility and resistance to bacterial plaque, was enhanced with conductive properties by incorporating silver (Ag), a well-known antibacterial material. Through systematic in vitro experiments, the effectiveness of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) in reducing bacterial proliferation was evaluated. The tests were conducted using two bacterial strains: the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Various configurations, current parameters, and two different electrode configurations were assessed to determine their impact on bacterial reduction. A notable finding from this study is that alternating current (AC) demonstrates superior efficacy compared to direct current (DC). The more significant decrease in CFUs/mL for P. aeruginosa with AC was recorded at the current levels of 5 mA and 500 nA. In opposition, S. aureus exhibited the greatest reduction at 5 mA and 1 mA. This study highlights the potential of using electric current within specific intensity ranges as an alternative strategy to effectively mitigate bacterial challenges in dental care.