Multifunctional Titanium Surfaces for Orthopedic Implants: Antimicrobial Activity and Enhanced Osseointegration

Abstract

The use of implants in orthopedics and dental practice is a widespread surgical procedure to treat diverse diseases. However, peri-implantitis due to infections and/or poor osseointegration can lead to metallic implant failure. The aim of this study was to develop a multifunctional coating on titanium (Ti) surfaces, to simultaneously deal with both issues, by combining antibacterial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and regenerative properties of lactoferrin (Lf). A simple and cost-effective methodology that allows the direct multifunctionalization of Ti surfaces was developed. The modified surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. Additionally, in vitro preosteoblast cell adhesion, cell viability, and differentiation were evaluated. The antibacterial capability of the surfaces was tested against Staphylococcus aureus as a prosthesis infection model strain. Our results showed that Lf adsorbed on both Ti surfaces and Ti surfaces with adsorbed AgNPs. Simultaneously, the presence of Lf and AgNPs notably improved preosteoblast adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, whereas it reduced the bacterial colonization by 97.7%. Our findings indicate that this simple method may have potential applications in medical devices to both improve osseointegration and reduce bacterial infection risk, enhancing successful implantation and patients' quality of life.

Construction of Local Drug Delivery System on Titanium-Based Implants to Improve Osseointegration

“…Although Ti-based implants are the gold standard of clinical implants, the lack of bone–implant integration is still the leading reason that hinders the success of operations [ 8 , 9 ]. In severe cases, poor osseointegration may give rise to a second surgery or even death, causing great physical and psychological harm to patients [ 10 , 11 ]. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the osseointegration of Ti-based implants to meet clinical needs.…”

Improving bactericidal performance of implant composite coatings by synergism between Melittin and tetracycline

“…Recently, synthesis of multifunctional biomaterials have received considerable attention due to their significant potential applications [ 1 , 2 ]. In this regard, many studies have been focused on designing of multifunctional nanostructures, coatings, scaffolds [ 3 – 6 ]. There are various combinations of bioactive and bio-inert components to improve or control the interaction of materials with their surrounding biological environment [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Construction of antibacterial adhesion surfaces based on bioinspired borneol-containing glycopolymers

“…10,11 In recent years, research based on various types of antibacterial agents has been carried out to construct antibacterial surfaces, such as antimicrobial peptides, metal ions/particles, quaternary ammonium salts, etc. [12][13][14][15] Although these materials have antimicrobial properties, the high cost and apparent cytotoxicity of these antibacterial agents could not be ignored. Therefore, there is still a need to develop antibacterial surfaces with good biocompatibility.…”