Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) occur infrequently, but due to its increased clinical use represent the most devastating complication with high morbidity and substantial cost. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common infecting agents associated with PJI. A possible therapeutic approach could be the local antibiotic by fluoride-TiO2 nanostructured anodic layers in order to prevent surface colonisation during the early moments after surgery. Here we describe the first results of this model using two common antibiotics. Fluoride-TiO2 nanostructured anodic layers on Ti6Al4V alloy were produced as described previously by Arenas et al (2013). Discs shaped pieces of Ti6Al4V alloy were loaded with a solution of 150 mg antibiotic (vancomycin or gentamicin)/20 ml sterile distilled water. Samples were immersed in this solution during 24 hours at room temperature with agitation, and then were dried during 48 hours at 20°C. Antibiotic release was studied by introducing both discs in sterile PBS and samples were taken at different times. Samples were then frozen at −80°C until HPLC measurements and biological activity tests using Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 (vancomycin) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (gentamicin) were performed.Introduction
Methods
Description of an original in vitro protocol for assessing combined bacteria and cell competitive adherence on the surface of biomaterials of medical interest Biomaterial-related infections are a major clinical problem. The pathogenesis of this syndrome has been described as a competitive adherence between bacteria and human cells in the so-called “race for the surface” theory. The aim of this study is to develop an Summary Statement
Objectives
Biomaterial-related infections are an important complication in orthopaedic surgery [1], and A 18mm diameter rod of Ti–6Al–4V alloy ELI grade according to the standard ASTMF136-02 supplied by SURGIVAL was cut into 2 mm thick disk specimens, ground through successive grades of SiC paper to 1200 grade, degreased with a conventional detergent and rinsed in tap water followed by deionised water. The specimens were then chemically polished (CP). The disks were anodized only on one side by using a two electrode cell in a suitable electrolyte. TiO2 barrier layers, without fluoride (BL), were produced by anodizing in 1 M H2SO4 at 15 mA cm-2 to 90 V, reaching 200 nm of thickness. Fluoride barrier layers (FBL) were produced in an electrolyte containing 1 M NH4H2PO4 and 0.15 M NH4F, at constant voltage controlled at 20 V for 120 min at 20°C; the thickness of the layer is 140 nm. Laboratory biofilm-forming strains of INTRODUCTION
MATERIAL AND METHODS
