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Biomimetic Nano‐Patterned Design on the Surface of the Implants to Prevent Bacterial Infections
Author(s) -
Boucher Brant,
Wolyniak Michael J,
Hargadon Kristian M,
Dua Rupak
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.925.7
Subject(s) - osseointegration , biofilm , implant , titanium , nanotechnology , materials science , adhesion , biomedical engineering , bacteria , medicine , surgery , biology , composite material , metallurgy , genetics
Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes have allowed fabrication of intricate implant surfaces to facilitate bony attachment and prevent bacterial infections. However, the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria has become a threat to patients and the healthcare industry. New strategies to combat infection must be developed for use in conjunction with the traditional antibiotic administration. In the case of biomedical implantation, biofilms of these bacteria regularly prevent successful osseointegration with the implant through competition with osteoblasts, ultimately requiring surgical implant removal. Occasionally, these infections become systemic, requiring long‐term hospitalization and resulting in death due to the systemic spread of the infection in some cases. New attempts to promote osseointegration while discouraging biofilm development have focused on physically and chemically altering the surface of titanium, which is commonly used in dental and hip implants because of its natural resistance to corrosion and high strength relative to its weight. Our research, inspired by cicada wing structure, aims to create nano‐pillar structure that will prevent bacterial adhesion while promoting bone cell spreading. An alkaline hydrothermal process was conducted for three different durations of time (3 hours, 8 hours and 12 hours in NAOH 1M solution at 600°C) to modify the surface of titanium with unique nano‐patterns. Surface characterization of the samples for different groups was investigated by Zeiss Evo 50VP Scanning electron microscope. Further antibacterial characteristics for the 3 groups will be studied using fluorescence microscopy of E. coli cells that will be allowed to grow on the titanium samples for 5 days. The SEM images revealed spike‐like structure on the surface of titanium that underwent alkaline treatment for 3 and 8 hours. The structures were more persistent in the 8‐hour group as found in cicada wings but were arranged in a random order. The group that underwent treatment for 12 hours has fewer spike structures but more pits with thick boundaries. In conclusion, based on our preliminary results we think that the 8‐hour group will prevent bacterial adhesion because of the presence of spikes that will pierce the bacterial membrane while the 12‐hour group will favor the growth of bacteria by providing sites for attachment. This kind of surface treatment may seem to be a promising technique to prevent bacterial infection on the implants.