Enhanced antibacterial activity of plant polyphenol-modified robust polycaprolactone/gelatin electrospun coating on titanium implant.

Postoperative infection significantly increases the risk of failure in titanium (Ti) dental implants. While the local application of antimicrobial agents can effectively mitigate these infections. Electrospinning has gained considerable attention for its ability to produce high-performance nanofibers suitable for localized drug release. Nevertheless, challenges such as weak interfacial bond with Ti surface limits its application as a surface coating strategy. In this study, we developed a novel electrospun coating composed of a plant polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (Gel), which enhanced its adhesion to the Ti surface through phenol-amine chemistry. This innovative approach significantly enhanced the interfacial bond strength between the nanofibers and the Ti surface, thereby improving the wear resistance of the coating. Additionally, the incorporation of rifampicin (Rif), a broad-spectrum antibiotic, into the EGCG-modified electrospun coating (Ti/NFs-0.5 %EG@Rif) enabled sustained Rif release over 28 days, providing potential long-term antibacterial activity. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the Ti/NFs-0.5 %EG@Rif coating exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy, along with excellent biocompatibility. In conclusion, the EGCG-modified electrospun coating represented a promising and cost-effective strategy for enhancing the functionality of Ti implants, with the potential to improve clinical outcomes in dental applications.