The healthcare sector is currently concerned about infections caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms due to their high frequency and incidence, particularly in patients with implanted medical devices. This study investigated biofilm formation and biofilm-related gene expression in P. gingivalis on titanium-copper discs and polycarbonate discs. P. gingivalis highly expressed biofilm-related genes were examined using quantitative real-time PCR during biofilm formation on the Ti-Cu surface. SEM analysis revealed various cellular components around the aggregated cells at various stages of biofilm formation. The Ti-Cu surface was colonized by P. gingivalis, as evidenced by biofilm formation levels that varied from ~ 103-104 CFU/cm2 after 2 days of incubation to ~ 105-107 CFU/cm2 after 7 days. Real-time expression analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of signaling molecules on Ti-Cu discs. Furthermore, genes linked to virulence (rgpA, rgpB, and Kgp, fimC, PorK, and PorP) and adhesion (mfa1, fimD, fimA, RpoN, rgpA, rgpBiKgp) demonstrate transcriptional alterations in signaling pathways impacting P. gingivalis biofilm on Ti-Cu surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy correlated the results of the structural analysis with the expression from the qPCR data. This study adds significant value by advancing the understanding of biofilm formation on Ti-Cu implants.

MGM Advanced Research Institute Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Pondicherry 607402 India

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