Decreased Bacteria Activity on Si3N4 Surfaces Compared with PEEK Or Titanium
Editor(s)
Webster, Thomas J.
Abstract
A significant need exists for orthopedic implants that can intrinsically resist bacterial colonization. In this study, three biomaterials that are used in spinal implants--titanium (Ti), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄)--were tested to understand their respective susceptibility to bacterial infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphlococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. Specifically, the surface chemistry, wettability, and nanostructured topography of respective biomaterials, and the effects on bacterial biofilm formation, colonization, and growth were investigated. Ti and PEEK were received with as-machined surfaces; both materials are hydrophobic, with net negative surface charges. Two surface finishes of Si₃N₄ were examined: as-fired and polished. In contrast to Ti and PEEK, the surface of Si₃N₄ is hydrophilic, with a net positive charge. A decreased biofilm formation was found, as well as fewer live bacteria on both the as-fired and polished Si₃N₄. These differences may reflect differential surface chemistry and surface nanostructure properties between the biomaterials tested. Because protein adsorption on material surfaces affects bacterial adhesion, the adsorption of fibronectin, vitronectin, and laminin on Ti, PEEK, and Si₃N₄ were also examined. Significantly greater amounts of these proteins adhered to Si₃N₄ than to Ti or PEEK. The findings of this study suggest that surface properties of biomaterials lead to differential adsorption of physiologic proteins, and that this phenomenon could explain the observed in-vitro differences in bacterial affinity for the respective biomaterials. Intrinsic biomaterial properties as they relate to resistance to bacterial colonization may reflect a novel strategy toward designing future orthopedic implants.
Recommended Citation
D. J. Gorth et al., "Decreased Bacteria Activity on Si3N4 Surfaces Compared with PEEK Or Titanium," International Journal of Nanomedicine, Dove Medical press, Jan 2012.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S35190
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Anti-Infective; Biofilm; Nanostructure; Protein Adsorption; Silicon Nitride
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1176-9114
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2012 Dove Medical press, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2012