Biological responses of silver-coated thermosets: an in vitro and in vivo study

Acta Biomater. 2013 Feb;9(2):5088-99. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2012.10.002. Epub 2012 Oct 8.

Abstract

Bisphenol A glycidylmethacrylate (BisGMA)/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) thermosets are biomaterials commonly employed for orthopedic and dental applications; for both these fields, bacterial adhesion to the surface of the implant represents a major issue for the outcome of the surgical procedures. In this study, the antimicrobial properties of a nanocomposite coating formed by polysaccharide 1-deoxylactit-1-yl chitosan (Chitlac) and silver nanoparticles (nAg) on methacrylate thermosets were studied. The Chitlac-nAg system showed good anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity although its biocidal properties can be moderately, albeit significantly, inhibited by serum proteins. In vitro studies on the silver release kinetic in physiological conditions showed a steady metal release associated with a gradual loss of antimicrobial activity. However, after 3weeks there was still effective protection against bacterial colonization which could be accounted for by the residual silver. This time-span could be considered adequate to confer short-term protection from early peri-implant infections. Preliminary in vivo tests in a mini-pig animal model showed good biological compatibility of Chitlac-nAg-coated materials when implanted in bony tissue. The comparison was made with implants of titanium Ti6Al4V alloy and with a Chitlac-coated thermoset. Bone healing patterns and biocompatibility parameters observed for nAg-treated material were comparable with those observed for control implants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / chemistry
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / pharmacology*
  • Blood Proteins / pharmacology
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chitosan / chemistry
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Implants, Experimental
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacology*
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / ultrastructure
  • Silver / pharmacology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / ultrastructure
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Blood Proteins
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • triethylene glycol dimethacrylate
  • Silver
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate
  • Chitosan