Aims: Implant-associated infections arise from the formation of bacterial biofilms, which are difficult to be treated with conventional antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need for new implant functionalizations, which inhibit biofilm formation. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effect of synthetic peptides to assess their applicability for this purpose. Methods and Results: Two synthetic anti-endotoxin peptides, Pep19-2.5 and Pep19-4LF (Aspidasept I and II) were tested against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus oralis) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) bacteria associated with implant infections. Their activity was evaluated against different states of biofilm formation on the implant material titanium using CFU, live/dead fluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Both peptides inhibited planktonic bacteria growth, impacted initial bacterial adhesion, reduced biofilm volume and increased the proportion of dead cells. Additionally, cytotoxicity analyses showed that neither peptide harmed human gingival fibroblasts nor osteoblasts at lower concentrations. Conclusion: A concentration-dependent antibacterial activity of both peptides against biofilms of four clinically relevant bacteria could be demonstrated. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results of this study serve as a promising basis for the improvement of these peptides in order to finally achieve a peptide-equipped antibacterial implant surface.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.