Effect of Caerin 1.9 Antimicrobial Peptide Gel on Early Bacterial Infections in Oral Titanium Implants: An Animal Study.

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to investigate the antibacterial potential of caerin 1.9 in the form of a thermo-sensitive gel for prevention and management of early postoperative infection of oral titanium metallic implants.

METHODS

Twenty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: the F3 (caerin 1.9) group (n = 8), the control group (n = 8), and the blank group (n = 6). The early infection model of implant was established by implanting the micro-titanium nail after oral mixed bacteria drip into the mandible. The F3 group was given early intervention with caerin 1.9 at the same time, and the control group was given the same amount of PBS. The blank group underwent simulated surgical procedures without any treatment. Postoperative conditions were monitored, and local symptoms were evaluated. The bacterial load around the implants, peripheral blood white blood cell counts, and inflammatory responses in both soft and hard tissues were analyzed by HE staining.

RESULTS

On the 7th or 14th day post-surgery, the number of white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, the content of inflammatory factors in soft tissue in the surgical area, the infiltration of inflammatory cells in bone tissue around the implantation cavity, and the total amount of bacteria around the implantation cavity in the F3 group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Caerin 1.9 antibacterial peptide gel can reduce bacterial load, decrease inflammatory response, accelerate anti-inflammatory process, and prevent the occurrence of early implant infection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Caerin 1.9 antimicrobial peptide gel is a non-antibiotic strategy for preventing early-stage implant-related infections and a promising future adjunct to clinical implant materials for reducing bacterial adhesion and supporting early wound healing.