A Novel Strategy for Creating an Antibacterial Surface Using a Highly Efficient Electrospray-Based Method for Silica...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial adhesion to biomedical implants is a primary cause of infections and inflammation.
• Biofilm formation on implants poses significant clinical challenges.
• Developing effective anti-adhesive surfaces is crucial for improving implant safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel antibacterial surface using electrospray-deposited silica on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.
• To evaluate the anti-adhesive properties of the silica-deposited PET surface against common bacteria.
• To assess the biocompatibility of the developed surface with human cells.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an electrospray technique for homogeneous silica deposition onto PET films.
• Characterized surface properties, including hydrophobicity (water contact angle) and roughness.
• Quantified bacterial adhesion of *Escherichia coli* (E. coli) and *Staphylococcus aureus* (S. aureus) on modified and plain PET surfaces.
• Assessed human dermal fibroblast viability using MTT and live/dead assays.

Main Results:

• Silica-deposited PET surfaces exhibited hydrophobicity (water contact angle > 120°) and increased surface roughness.
• Significant reduction in bacterial adhesion: approximately 66.30% for E. coli and 64.09% for S. aureus.
• No detrimental effects observed on human dermal fibroblast cell viability.

Conclusions:

• The novel electrospray-based silica coating provides effective hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties.
• This cost-effective and efficient method significantly inhibits bacterial adhesion on PET surfaces.
• The developed surfaces show potential for preventing bacterial adhesion on biomedical implants, reducing infection risks.