Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices
Published on: November 5, 2016
Antibiofilm capacity of PMMA surfaces: A review of current knowledge
Simone Kreve1, Andréa Cândido Dos Reis1
1Department of Dental Materials and Prosthesis, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Abstract:
The emergence of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobial therapies, associated with the decline in the development of new drugs, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals, highlights the need for alternative strategies to combat microorganisms that cause infections, especially multidrug-resistant bacteria. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a material widely used in the biomedical field, with uses ranging from surgical implants, bone cements, and dental devices, to laboratory equipment and three-dimensional models for surgical planning. Despite its multiple applications, PMMA has the disadvantage of favoring microbial adhesion, due to the porous nature of the material, associated with poor bond strength, thermal instability and water sorption in the oral environment, which can contribute to infection development. To mitigate this problem, the scientific community is looking to modify PMMA to give it antimicrobial properties. This review presents possible approaches that include changes to the topography of PMMA, creating textured or nanostructured surfaces, and chemical modifications, such as incorporating antimicrobial agents into the PMMA matrix or surface treatments. Both strategies aim to hinder the adhesion and growth of microorganisms. In addition, combining these approaches seeks a synergistic effect and could become a promising mechanism for preventing infections.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance necessitates new strategies. Modifying polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) surfaces or incorporating antimicrobial agents can prevent microbial adhesion and infections, offering a promising approach.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Rising antimicrobial resistance and declining new drug development necessitate alternative infection control strategies.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a versatile biomedical material but promotes microbial adhesion, increasing infection risk.
- Existing PMMA limitations include porosity, poor bond strength, thermal instability, and water sorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for imparting antimicrobial properties to PMMA.
- To explore methods for mitigating microbial adhesion and growth on PMMA surfaces.
- To identify promising approaches for preventing biomaterial-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification techniques, including altering topography (texturing, nanostructuring).
- Chemical modification strategies, such as incorporating antimicrobial agents into the PMMA matrix.
- Surface treatments to enhance antimicrobial efficacy.
Main Results:
- Topographical modifications can create surfaces that hinder microbial adhesion.
- Incorporating antimicrobial agents directly into PMMA or via surface treatments shows potential.
- Combined approaches may yield synergistic effects for enhanced antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- Modifying PMMA's physical and chemical properties is crucial for combating microbial colonization.
- Surface texturing, nanostructuring, and antimicrobial agent incorporation are key strategies.
- Synergistic combinations of these methods offer a promising avenue for infection prevention.
