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Smart zwitterionic coatings with precise pH-responsive antibacterial functions for bone implants to combat bacterial
Qinsheng Hu1,2, Yangrui Du3, Yangjing Bai4
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Biomaterials Science
|July 26, 2024
Summary
A new pH-responsive coating for bone implants combines antifouling zwitterionic polymers with a smart antibiotic release system. This dual-action coating effectively reduces initial bacterial adhesion and releases gentamicin sulfate on demand to combat infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Zwitterionic polymer coatings are used on bone implants to prevent biofilm formation and infection.
- Current coatings lack effective, precise antibacterial activity for long-term effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a pH-responsive smart zwitterionic antibacterial coating (PSB/GS) for titanium bone implants.
- To achieve synergistic antifouling and on-demand antibacterial properties to combat implant-related infections.
Main Methods:
- A two-step method involving mussel-inspired chemistry to deposit a poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-dopamine methacrylamide) (PSBDA) copolymer.
- Covalent linkage of gentamicin sulfate (GS) via acid-sensitive Schiff base bonds to the zwitterionic coating.
Main Results:
- The hydrophilic zwitterionic polymers reduced protein and bacterial adhesion by over 90%.
- The coating released gentamicin sulfate in response to decreased pH caused by bacterial proliferation.
- The PSB/GS coating demonstrated excellent anti-infective activity in vivo rat models.
Conclusions:
- The developed PSB/GS coating offers a promising strategy for combating bone implant-related infections.
- The smart coating provides synergistic antifouling and on-demand antibacterial functionalities.
- This facile fabrication method enhances the long-term effectiveness of bone implants.
