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Biocompatibility and biocidal effects of modified polylactide composites
Tereza Stachurová1, Zuzana Rybková1, Kateřina Škrlová2,3
1Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|December 12, 2022
Summary
Polylactide (PLA) composites with silver-modified vermiculite show excellent antimicrobial and biocompatible properties for medical devices. These materials effectively inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation, even after prolonged degradation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Antimicrobial Technology
Background:
- Polylactide (PLA) is a promising biodegradable polymer for medical devices.
- Antimicrobial fillers are crucial for preventing microbial colonization and biofilm formation on medical implants.
- Developing biocompatible and effective antimicrobial PLA composites is essential for enhancing medical device safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biocompatibility and biocidal effects of PLA composite films containing vermiculite and graphene oxide.
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of degradation leachates from these composites against various microorganisms.
- To determine the long-term stability and effectiveness of these antimicrobial PLA composites.
Main Methods:
- PLA composite films were prepared with vermiculite and graphene oxide modified with silver (Ag+, Ag nanoparticles), HDP, and HDTMA cations.
- Antimicrobial activity of leachates was tested using microdilution methods against gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeast.
- Biocidal effects on biofilm formation were assessed using Christensen method, autoaggregation, and motility tests; biocompatibility was evaluated via MTT cytotoxicity assay.
Main Results:
- PLA composites with graphene oxide and Ag+ exhibited stronger antimicrobial effects than those with vermiculite and Ag+ or Ag nanoparticles.
- PLA composites with vermiculite and HDP/HDTMA cations showed higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast compared to Gram-negative bacteria.
- The composite with vermiculite and Ag+ and Ag nanoparticles demonstrated the most significant inhibition of bacterial growth (up to 42%) and biofilm formation (up to 91%) even after 6 months of degradation, with minimal cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- PLA composite films incorporating vermiculite and silver ions/nanoparticles offer superior biocompatible and biocidal properties for medical applications.
- Vermiculite serves as an effective carrier for antimicrobial agents, demonstrating potential for future development of advanced biomaterials.
- The study confirms the stability and efficacy of silver-modified vermiculite-filled PLA composites as a viable alternative for antimicrobial medical device production.
