Silver nanoparticle-enriched diamond-like carbon implant modification as a mammalian cell compatible surface with antimicrobial properties

Abstract

The implant-bone interface is the scene of competition between microorganisms and distinct types of tissue cells. In the past, various strategies have been followed to support bony integration and to prevent bacterial implant-associated infections. In the present study we investigated the biological properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) surfaces containing silver nanoparticles. DLC is a promising material for the modification of medical implants providing high mechanical and chemical stability and a high degree of biocompatibility. DLC surface modifications with varying silver concentrations were generated on medical-grade titanium discs, using plasma immersion ion implantation-induced densification of silver nanoparticle-containing polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer solutions. Immersion of implants in aqueous liquids resulted in a rapid silver release reducing the growth of surface-bound and planktonic Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Due to the fast and transient release of silver ions from the modified implants, the surfaces became biocompatible, ensuring growth of mammalian cells. Human endothelial cells retained their cellular differentiation as indicated by the intracellular formation of Weibel-Palade bodies and a high responsiveness towards histamine. Our findings indicate that the integration of silver nanoparticles into DLC prevents bacterial colonization due to a fast initial release of silver ions, facilitating the growth of silver susceptible mammalian cells subsequently.

Antimicrobial activity of metal oxide microspheres: an innovative process for homogeneous incorporation into materials

“…Gorzelanny et al . () observed a fast and transient release of silver ions from diamond‐like carbon implants enriched in silver nanoparticles able to reduce the growth of S. aureus et S. epidermidis on the surface. They linked this release to the biocompatible behaviour of the implants, ensuring growth of mammalian cells.…”

“…As an example, surfaces with high concentrations of implanted ions showed high rates of dissolution into the surrounding medium even with nanoparticles (Furno et al 2004;Harrasser et al 2015). Gorzelanny et al (2016) observed a fast and transient release of silver ions from diamond-like carbon implants enriched in silver nanoparticles able to reduce the growth of S. aureus et S. epidermidis on the surface. They linked this release to the biocompatible behaviour of the implants, ensuring growth of mammalian cells.…”

“…Results are expressed as means and SD of six independent experiments (n = 6) for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli or three independent experiments (n = 3) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. binding to microbial membranes, enzymes and nucleic acids, leading to the inhibition of the respiratory chain (Gosheger et al 2004). This nonspecific mode of action motivates caution concerning the long-term toxicity risk for human and environment.…”

Multifunctional Copper-Containing Mesoporous Glass Nanoparticles as Antibacterial and Proangiogenic Agents for Chronic Wounds

“…Metal ions, such as silver and copper, are one such set of antimicrobials that are currently of interest as they can be combined with functional materials for designing healthcare devices (Gorzelanny et al, 2016;Liu et al, 2016;Ramasamy and Lee, 2016;Sun et al, 2016;Bayramov and Neff, 2017). Whilst there is some evidence that bacteria can develop resistance mechanisms to certain forms of copper and silver (Percival et al, 2005;Santo et al, 2011;Finley et al, 2015;Hobman and Crossman, 2015;Williams et al, 2016), they are still promising as antimicrobials due to their broad ranges of biocidal activity against multiple microorganisms, including both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.…”

Surface Characterization and Copper Release of a-C:H:Cu Coatings for Medical Applications

“…Adding non-carbide-forming elements like Ag [47,48], Cu [49], Al [50] and Ni [50] into the DLC matrix can reduce residual stress [43,45,[47][48][49][50] and improve electric conductivity [44,51]. Furthermore, copper-or silver-containing DLC thin films can show a significant antibacterial effect [52][53][54][55][56]. These composite coatings have been deposited by Arc evaporation with metal cathodes [57], magnetron sputtering [51], ion plating/sputtering [58], pulsed laser deposition [21,[59][60][61], laser ablation [62,63], plasma-immersion ion implantation [64], ion deposition [54], plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) [47] and variations thereof.…”