Periprosthetic infections that accompany the use of total joint replacement devices cause unwanted and catastrophic outcomes for patients and clinicians. These infections become particularly problematic in the event that bacterial biofilms form on an implant surface. Previous reports have suggested that the addition of Vitamin E to ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) may prevent the adhesion of bacteria to its surface and thus reduce the risk of biofilm formation and subsequent infection.1–3 In this study, Vitamin E was blended with two types of UHMWPE material. It was hypothesized that the Vitamin E blended UHMWPE would resist the adhesion and formation of clinically relevant methicillin-resistant Five sample types were manufactured, machined and sterilized (Table 1). To determine if MRSA biofilms would be reduced or prevented on the surface of the Vitamin E (VE) loaded samples (HXL VE 150 kGy and HXL VE 75 kGy) in comparison to the other three clinically relevant material types, each was tested for biofilm formation using a flow cell system.4
Introduction:
Methods and Materials:
