The Influence of Different Sera on the Anti-Infective Properties of Silver Nitrate in Biopolymer Coatings

Nonhoff, M; Puetzler, J; Hasselmann, J; Fobker, M; Niemann, S; Gosheger, G; Schulze, M

Research article (journal) | Peer reviewed

Abstract

The widespread prevalence of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) poses significant challenges in orthopedic surgeries, with pathogens such as Staphylococcus epidermidis being particularly problematic due to their capability to form biofilms on implants. This study investigates the efficacy of an innovative silver nitrate-embedded poly-L-lactide biopolymer coating designed to prevent such infections. The methods involved applying varying concentrations of silver nitrate to in vitro setups and recording the resultant bacterial growth inhibition across different serum environments, including human serum and various animal sera. Results highlighted a consistent and significant inhibition of S. epidermidis growth at all tested concentrations in each type of serum without adverse interactions with serum proteins, which commonly compromise antimicrobial efficacy. This study concludes that the silver nitrate-embedded biopolymer coating exhibits potent antibacterial properties and has potential for use in clinical settings to reduce the incidence of PJIs. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of considering serum interactions in the design and testing of antimicrobial implants to ensure their effectiveness in actual use scenarios. These promising results pave the way for further research to validate and refine this technology for clinical application, focusing on optimizing silver ion release and assessing biocompatibility in vivo.

Details about the publication

JournalPolymers
Volume16(13), 1862
StatusPublished
Release year2024
Language in which the publication is writtenEnglish
DOI10.3390/polym16131862
Link to the full texthttps://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/16/13/1862
Keywords biopolymer coatings; silver nitrate; periprosthetic joint infections; antimicrobial efficacy

Authors from the University of Münster

Fobker, Manfred
Centre of Laboratory Medicine (Central Laboratory)
Gosheger, Georg
General Orthopaedics Clinic
Hasselmann, Julian
General Orthopaedics Clinic
Niemann, Silke
Institute of Medical Microbiology
Pützler, Jan
General Orthopaedics Clinic
Schulze, Martin
General Orthopaedics Clinic