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Antibacterial and cytocompatible silver coating for titanium Boston Keratoprosthesis
Silvia González Gómez1,2, Maria-Pau Ginebra1,2,3,4, Francisco Javier Gil5
1Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Barcelona Tech (UPC), Barcelona East School of Engineering (EEBE), Barcelona, Spain.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|October 4, 2024
Summary
Silver electrodeposition on titanium backplates for Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro) implants prevents bacterial infections. This novel approach enhances BKPro efficacy by providing innate antibacterial properties without harming corneal cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Boston Keratoprosthesis (BKPro) restores vision but faces infection risks.
- Titanium (Ti) backplates are used, but lack intrinsic antibacterial properties.
- Silver ions (Ag+) show promise for antibacterial implants, but corneal effects are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an intrinsic infection-preventing mechanism for BKPro Ti backplates.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silver-treated Ti surfaces for BKPro.
- To investigate the antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of silver on corneal tissue.
Main Methods:
- Electrodeposition of silver complexes onto rough Ti surfaces.
- Physicochemical characterization and ion release studies.
- In vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity in human corneal keratocytes (HCKs).
- Antibacterial testing against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Main Results:
- Silver was successfully deposited on Ti surfaces, with minimal Ag+ ion release.
- Ag-treated surfaces showed no cytotoxicity and supported long-term HCK proliferation.
- Effective inhibition of P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis adhesion and growth was observed.
Conclusions:
- Electrodeposition confers antibacterial properties to Ti BKPro backplates.
- The silver treatment mitigates implant-threatening infections without corneal cytotoxicity.
- This technique offers a promising strategy for enhancing BKPro safety and efficacy.
