Zwitterion modified cochlear implants resist postoperative infection and inflammation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Device Coatings
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Cochlear implants (CI) are vital for hearing loss, but infections are common complications.
• Bacterial biofilms on CI surfaces cause antibiotic treatment failure.
• Novel strategies are needed to prevent CI infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel copper-containing zwitterionic coating for cochlear implants.
• To assess the coating's anti-adherent, anti-bacterial, and anti-biofilm properties.
• To determine the coating's biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a zwitterionic coating using poly sulfobetaine methacrylate (PSB) and polydopamine (PDA) with copper sulfate (CuSO4).
• Co-deposition reaction accelerated by H2O2 for enhanced antibacterial properties.
• In vitro and in vivo testing of the PSB/PDA(Cu) coating on CI models against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Main Results:

• The PSB/PDA(Cu) coating demonstrated high biocompatibility.
• The coating exhibited excellent anti-inflammatory and strong antibacterial effects.
• Significant anti-biofilm properties were observed against various bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The PSB/PDA(Cu) coating is a simple, rapid, and clinically applicable strategy.
• This coating effectively prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on CI.
• The developed coating represents a promising approach to enhance cochlear implant performance and reduce infection rates.