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Mitigation of Staphylococcus aureus-mediated surgical site infections with ir photoactivated TiO2 coatings on Ti
Asem Aboelzahab1, Abdul-Majeed Azad, Shawn Dolan
1Department of Bioengineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606-3390, USA.
Abstract:
Surgical site infections caused by methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, MSSA) lead to patient hospitalization for an extended period coupled with concomitant hospitalization resources and cost. The detrimental effect resulting from the onset of these infections poses great health risks, leading to death in some instances. Titanium dioxide (TiO(2) ) is endowed with the unique capability of photoactivity which has been extensively exploited in antibacterial activities. It has been shown to be very effective in its bactericidal efficacy against infection-causing bacterial strains, namely, E. coli and S. aureus. In this study, the use of IR-photoactivated TiO(2) nanocoatings on titanium implants to mitigate the onset of surgical site infections is described. TiO(2) coatings were created on implantable materials by way of an aqueous plasma electrodeposition technique and were used to mitigate the harmful bacterial growth upon brief activation by an infrared (IR) laser source. The necrosis of S. aureus cells was found to exceed 90% within 30 min. following a 30s exposure of the titania-coated model implants (Ti mesh and plate). Promising potential of antibacterial coatings in mitigating surgical site infections has been shown.
Insights
Infrared-activated titanium dioxide nanocoatings on implants show over 90% Staphylococcus aureus cell death. This innovative approach effectively combats surgical site infections, reducing risks and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA and MSSA) prolong hospitalization and increase costs.
- Staphylococcus aureus poses significant health risks, potentially leading to mortality.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) exhibits photoactivity, demonstrating potent antibacterial properties against various bacterial strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of infrared (IR)-photoactivated TiO(2) nanocoatings on titanium implants for mitigating SSIs.
- To evaluate the antibacterial performance of TiO(2) nanocoatings against Staphylococcus aureus upon IR laser activation.
Main Methods:
- TiO(2) nanocoatings were applied to implantable materials (Ti mesh and plate) using aqueous plasma electrodeposition.
- The antibacterial efficacy of the nanocoatings was assessed following brief activation with an IR laser source.
- Bacterial cell viability (necrosis) was quantified after exposure to the activated nanocoatings.
Main Results:
- Over 90% necrosis of Staphylococcus aureus cells was observed within 30 minutes.
- This high efficacy was achieved after only a 30-second exposure to the IR-activated titania-coated implants.
- The study demonstrated significant mitigation of harmful bacterial growth.
Conclusions:
- IR-photoactivated TiO(2) nanocoatings present a promising strategy for preventing SSIs.
- This nanotechnology offers a novel approach to enhance implant safety and reduce infection-related complications.
- The findings highlight the potential of functionalized biomaterials in combating bacterial infections in clinical settings.
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