Biofilm Formation and the Antibacterial Properties of Silicon Nitride and Other Biomaterials
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biology
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Funding Source
Amedica
Abstract
The medical applications of antibacterial biomaterials have made great strides since the field’s beginning. With new material being produced for surgical implantation, questions of bodily reactions to these biomaterials arise. As a foreign substance is placed into the body a biofilm may accumulate on the surface, which can then lead to severe infections and become difficult to treat. One such material is an antibacterial silicon nitride polymer designed for orthopedic and spinal implants. Using a CDC Biofilm Reactor the testing of these new materials has been accomplished to accurately predict the antibacterial properties of each material. After the reactor is inoculated, samples are taken after 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours and tested for growth of biofilms. Our preliminary data indicates an initial reduction in biofilm formation with some material. With the successful completion of this project, a more effective biomaterial could be found and made readily available for safe and practical use in the human body.
Biography
Justin Lovelady is in his fourth year at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is studying Biology with emphasis in Pre-Med and pursuing a minor in Chemistry. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, a member of the Missouri S&T Jazz Band, and a Photographer for RollaMo Yearbook. He plans to attend Graduate School at Missouri S&T and later plans on going to Medical School in Chicago at Midwestern University.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Proposal Oral Applicant
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Fellows 14-15 Awarded
Location
Turner Room
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 1:40 pm - 2:00 pm
Biofilm Formation and the Antibacterial Properties of Silicon Nitride and Other Biomaterials
Turner Room
The medical applications of antibacterial biomaterials have made great strides since the field’s beginning. With new material being produced for surgical implantation, questions of bodily reactions to these biomaterials arise. As a foreign substance is placed into the body a biofilm may accumulate on the surface, which can then lead to severe infections and become difficult to treat. One such material is an antibacterial silicon nitride polymer designed for orthopedic and spinal implants. Using a CDC Biofilm Reactor the testing of these new materials has been accomplished to accurately predict the antibacterial properties of each material. After the reactor is inoculated, samples are taken after 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours and tested for growth of biofilms. Our preliminary data indicates an initial reduction in biofilm formation with some material. With the successful completion of this project, a more effective biomaterial could be found and made readily available for safe and practical use in the human body.
