Antibacterial Effects of Sodium Borate and Calcium Borate Based Polymeric Coatings for Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

IntroductionImplants used in orthopedic surgery can be colonized by bacteria that form biofilm layers complicating treatment. We aimed to determine titanium implants' antibacterial and biofilm-degrading properties when coated with sodium borate (NaB) and calcium borate (CaB) minerals. MethodsWe analyzed twenty-four different implants. Three implants were not coated, three were coated with only a carrier polymer (alginate), and eighteen were coated with either CaB or NaB at different concentrations. The implants were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus, and then the bacterial colonies were enumerated. ResultsThe highest microbial load was observed on the implant coated with alginate (1000 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL). The implant without coating contained a microbial load of 420 CFU/mL. The microbial loads of the implants coated with 0.75 mg/mL CaB or 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/mL NaB (100, 200, 0, and 0 CFU/mL, respectively) were lower than that of the implant without coating. No biofilm formation was observed on implant surfaces coated with 0.5 mg/mL NaB, 0.75 mg/mL NaB, or 0.75 mg/mL CaB; biofilm formation was observed on the implant without coating and alginate-coated implants surfaces. ConclusionAt high concentrations, borate minerals (NaB and CaB) have a potent antibacterial effect on colonization and biofilm formation on the implant surface. These elements may be used in implant coating in the future because of their potential antibacterial effects.

Effect of processing parameters on the morphology of hydrothermally synthesized calcium borate powders

“…Without using specific equipment or external additives morphology of particles can be tailored. Finally, produced calcium borates can be used in several areas in industry such as coating for implants due to antibacterial effects 43 or for fibers to increase flame retardant, 3 lubricant component, 31 UV light source, light emission diodes, and luminescent phosphors 44 . Specifically sphere and clove‐like shape calcium borates can be utilized adsorbents for heavy metal ions 45 or in insecticide applications, 5 and also nano‐plate shape calcium borates can be utilized textured ceramic application 46,47 …”

Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Compounds Based on Unmodified Epoxy Resin Modified with Boric Acid as an Antiseptic

“…In light of the above, it can therefore be assumed that the effects of an antiseptic filler content on the mechanical properties of modified epoxy compounds depend on the epoxy compound type and, above all, on the type of a curing agent for the epoxy compound. However, regarding antiseptic properties, Coskun et al [ 48 ] showed that the coating surfaces with the lowest concentration of NaB were characterized by a low degree of bacterial colonization, while the surfaces coated with a higher concentration of NaB (sodium borate) showed no presence of bacterial colonization or biofilm formation. This may suggest that NaB provides implanted surfaces with strong antibacterial properties.…”

“…Boric acid (H 3 BO 3 ) is a weak inorganic acid. It is used both in its pure form and in various chemical compounds [ 36 ], and its areas of application include: industrial processing and production, where it used as a substance for modifying various properties of the main polymeric materials [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ] as well as epoxy resins [ 17 , 42 , 43 ], including the flame retardant properties of polymers [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ], in medicine and cosmetics [ 48 , 49 ], where it is used as a substance with antibacterial properties, as a component of antibacterial protective coatings, and in many medical devices [ 50 ]. …”

“…in medicine and cosmetics [ 48 , 49 ], where it is used as a substance with antibacterial properties, as a component of antibacterial protective coatings, and in many medical devices [ 50 ].…”