Introducing a Semi-Coated Model to Investigate Antibacterial Effects of Biocompatible Polymers on Titanium Surfaces

Abstract

Peri-implant infections from bacterial biofilms on artificial surfaces are a common threat to all medical implants. They are a handicap for the patient and can lead to implant failure or even life-threatening complications. New implant surfaces have to be developed to reduce biofilm formation and to improve the long-term prognosis of medical implants. The aim of this study was (1) to develop a new method to test the antibacterial efficacy of implant surfaces by direct surface contact and (2) to elucidate whether an innovative antimicrobial copolymer coating of 4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium bromide and dimethyl(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphonate (VP:DMMEP 30:70) on titanium is able to reduce the attachment of bacteria prevalent in peri-implant infections. With a new in vitro model with semi-coated titanium discs, we were able to show a dramatic reduction in the adhesion of various pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus sanguinis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis), completely independently of effects caused by soluble materials. In contrast, soft tissue cells (human gingival or dermis fibroblasts) were less affected by the same coating, despite a moderate reduction in initial adhesion of gingival fibroblasts. These data confirm the hypothesis that VP:DMMEP 30:70 is a promising antibacterial copolymer that may be of use in several clinical applications.

Effectiveness of Hypochlorous Acid to Reduce the Biofilms on Titanium Alloy Surfaces in Vitro

“…Implant-associated infections are due to bacterial biofilms that form on the implant surface; thus, the bacterial colonization of implants can never be completely avoided [ 21 ]. The possible reasons for biofilm formation include intraoperative contamination, systemic spreading and permanent transcutaneous passages [ 22 ]. In this study, four different bacterial species were used to examine the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.…”

Antimicrobial dental implant functionalization strategies —A systematic review

“…Polypyrrole-coated titanium surfaces exhibit a three-fold greater repellent effect than a common TiAl 6V alloy against E.coli and S. aureus 104) . A copolymer coating of 4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium bromide and dimethyl (2-methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphonate (VP:DMMEP 30:70) reduces the bacterial load of S. aureus and S. epidermidis by up to 90% compared to titanium 162) . Hyaluronic acid combined with chitosan forms polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) with strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus 99) .…”

Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Polymers: A Mini-Review

“…Coating a copolymer (VP:DMMEP 30:70) on titanium drastically reduces the adhesion of various pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus sanguinis , Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , Staphylococcus epidermidis ). Furthermore, soft tissue cells (human gingival or dermis fibroblasts) are minimally affected by such a coating [ 76 ].…”