Biodegradable and Cytocompatible Hydrogel Coating with Antibacterial Activity for the Prevention of Implant-Associated Infection

Abstract

Implant-associated infection (IAI) caused by pathogens colonizing on the implant surface is a serious issue in the trauma-orthopedic surgery, which often leads to implant failure. The complications of IAI bring a big threat to the clinical practice of implants, accompanied by significant economic cost and long hospitalization time. In this study, we propose an antibiotics-free strategy to address IAI-related challenges by using a biodegradable and cytocompatible hydrogel coating. To achieve this, a novel hydrogel system was developed to combine the synergistic effects of good cell affinity and antibacterial properties. The hydrogel material was prepared by modifying a photocross-linkable gelatinbased polymer (GelMA) with cationic quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) groups via a mild and simple synthesis procedure. By engineering the length of the hydrophobic carbon chain on the QAS group and the degree of functionalization, the resulting GelMA−octylQAS hydrogel exhibited an integration of good mechanical properties, biodegradability, excellent bactericidal activity against various types of bacteria, and high cytocompatibility with mammalian cells. When coated onto the implant via the in situ cross-linking procedure, our hydrogel demonstrated superior antimicrobial ability in the infective model of femoral fracture of rats. Our results suggest that the GelMA−octylQAS hydrogel might provide a promising platform for preventing and treating IAI.

Modulating On-Demand Release of Vancomycin from Implant Coatings via Chemical Modification of a Micrococcal Nuclease-Sensitive Oligonucleotide Linker

“…This inoculation dose is similar to the 10 3 −10 4 CFU inoculation doses utilized by some earlier rat S. aureus periprosthetic infection models, 36,37 which emulate infections occurred during controlled operational environment rather than those caused by gross contaminations (e.g., battlefield injuries). Excessive inoculation doses of 10 6 − 10 8 CFU utilized in other literature periprosthetic infection/ osteomyelitis models 38,39 were deliberately avoided. For uninfected controls, the same volume of sterile LB without bacteria was injected into the femoral canal prior to the insertion of the IM pin coated with PEGDMA control hydrogel.…”

Structurally Heterogeneous Amphiphilic Conetworks of Poly(vinyl imidazole) Derivatives with Potent Antimicrobial Properties and Cytocompatibility

“…In this regard, APCNs with inherent antimicrobial properties may be the choice for antibiofouling coatings. Previously, APCN matrices had been used for the release of antimicrobial agents. , Controlled release of antimicrobial agents from hydrogels was reported. − Hydrogels with inherent antimicrobial properties were reported to cope with the bacterial infection. − Herein, antimicrobial APCN surfaces have been proposed, since the mechanical property, swelling, and stability of an APCN can be manipulated by the fine adjustment of hydrophilic/hydrophobic components, chemical structure, and crosslinking degree.…”

Gallium Oxide Nanoparticle-Loaded, Quaternized Chitosan-Oxidized Sodium Alginate Hydrogels for Treatment of Bacteria-Infected Wounds

“…It was successful in eradicating bacterial infection, caused little damage to the organs, and showed good biocompatibility in a murine model . Emphasizing on the need of antibiotic-free strategies, a research group fabricated implant hydrogel coating using cationic quaternary ammonium salt and GelMA, which exhibited excellent mechanical properties, good cytocompatibility, and good antibacterial activity against a variety of bacteria . Curcumin-loaded sodium alginate and silk fibroin hydrogel dressing was fabricated for bacteria-infected wound treatment, which showed excellent antibacterial activity along with good biocompatibility and tissue adhesive strength .…”