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Quantitative evaluation of bacteria adherent to polyelectrolyte HEMA-based hydrogels
Francesca Berlutti1, Franco Rosso, Pietro Bosso
1Dipartimento di Scienze di Sanità Pubblica, Università di Roma La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy. francesca.berlutti@uniroma1.it
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|October 1, 2003
Summary
Bacterial adhesion to dental hydrogels increases with water content, especially on cationic polymers. Understanding these factors is key to preventing oral pathologies caused by polymer colonization.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Materials
- Microbiology
Background:
- Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA)-based hydrogels are widely used in dental restorations.
- Oral microorganisms can colonize these biomaterials, potentially leading to pathologies.
- The influence of co-monomers on bacterial adhesion to HEMA-based hydrogels requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bacterial adhesion to poly(HEMA) hydrogels modified with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-sulfonic acid (AMPS) and/or 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-tri-methyl-ammonium chloride (METAC).
- To determine the relationship between hydrogel physico-chemical properties and bacterial adhesion.
- To assess the impact of polymer water content and charge on microbial colonization.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(HEMA) hydrogels with varying molar ratios of AMPS and METAC.
- Bacterial adhesion assays using gram-positive (Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus oralis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria.
- A colorimetric assay system for quantifying adherent bacterial cells directly on polymer surfaces.
Main Results:
- Bacterial adhesion was observed across different genera of oral bacteria, both resident and transient.
- Physico-chemical characteristics of the hydrogels significantly influenced bacterial adhesion.
- Adhesion increased with higher water content in the swollen polymers.
- Maximal bacterial adhesion was observed on cationic polymers.
Conclusions:
- The water content and cationic nature of poly(HEMA)-based hydrogels are critical factors promoting bacterial adhesion.
- These findings highlight the importance of hydrogel properties in preventing microbial colonization in dental applications.
- Further research into material design can mitigate bacterial adhesion and reduce the risk of oral pathologies.