The utilization of silver as an anti-infective agent is a subject of debate within the scientific community, with recurring discussions surrounding its biocompatibility. Presently, galvanic silver coating finds widespread clinical application in mitigating infection risks associated with large joint arthroplasties. While some instances have linked this coating to sporadic cases of localized argyria, these occurrences have not exhibited systematic or functional limitations. To address concerns regarding biocompatibility, a novel approach has been devised for anti-infective implant coatings: encapsulating silver nitrate within a biopolymer reservoir for non-articulating surfaces. This poly-L-lactic acid layer releases silver ions gradually, thereby circumventing biocompatibility concerns. Female C57BL/6 mice were utilized as an experimental model, with 6x2 mm Ti6Al4V discs, coated with or without the biopolymer-protected silver coating, implanted subcutaneously on both sides of the vertebrae. Daily blood samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP) and silver concentration. After three days, histopathological analyses were conducted on the surrounding soft tissue pouch.Aim
Method
A novel anti-infective biopolymer implant coating was developed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation and allow on-demand burst release of anti-infective silver (Ag) into the surrounding of the implant at any time after surgery via focused high-energy extracorporeal shock waves (fhESW). A semi-crystalline Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was loaded with homogeneously dissolved silver (Ag) applied onto Ti6Al4V discs. A fibroblast WST-1 assay was performed to ensure adequate biocompatibility of the Ag concentration at 6%. The prevention of early biofilm formation was investigated in a biofilm model with In addition, the effect of released Ag after fhESW (Storz DUOLITH SD1: 4000 impulses, 1,24 mJ/mm2, 3Hz, 162J) was assessed via optical density of bacterial cultures (Aim
Method
