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Antibacterial molybdenum disulfide with silver phosphate coating on titanium fixator in rabbit models of rib fracture
Guangqi Dong1, Dongbin Wang1, Yingde Xu2
1Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Tianjin University Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Background:
In rib fractures, infection of the fracture ends can affect the use of the implant, causing surgical failures. Molybdenum disulfide with silver phosphate [MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4] coating for titanium plates has bactericidal effects in vitro. This study aimed to determine the most optimal MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coating for fracture healing in a novel rabbit rib fracture infection (RFI) model. This study hypothesizes that MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coated titanium implants will reduce bacterial infection and inflammation, while promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing in a rabbit RFI model.
Methods:
Twenty rabbits were used to create the RFI model using 0, 1×105, 1×106, and 1×107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL of Staphylococcus aureus culture. Twelve rabbits were used to test titanium (Ti) vs. titanium MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4-coated (Ti-MoS2-Ag3PO4) (with 808-nm near-infrared light irradiation) fixators on rib fractures with S. aureus. Tissues were examined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and safranin-O staining. Western blotting was performed for interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 safety was assessed using hemolysis, blood assays, and major organ histology. Antibacterial efficacy was tested using Gram staining and bacterial cultures.
Results:
In the negative control (NC) group, the incision healed well, but the 1×105, 1×106, and 1×107 CFU/mL groups showed pus coating and abscesses. IL-6 and TNF-α expression in the infected groups was significantly higher than in the NC group (all P<0.01). Safranin-O staining showed reduced osteogenesis in the infected groups vs. the NC group (all P<0.01). Ti, Ti-MoS2, and Ti-MoS2-Ag3PO4 were biocompatible according to the hemolysis and biochemistry assays and major organ histology. Dense bacterial accumulation was seen in the Ti group, while the Ti-MoS2-Ag3PO4 group showed sparse bacterial colonies, achieving a 99.43% antibacterial rate.
Conclusion:
An RFI model was successfully constructed in rabbits. MoS2-Ag3PO4-coated titanium implants appear to be biocompatible and able to manage infection in a rabbit model of RFI.
Insights
Molybdenum disulfide with silver phosphate (MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4) coatings on titanium implants effectively combat Staphylococcus aureus infections in rabbit rib fractures. This innovative coating promotes fracture healing by reducing bacteria and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Infection at fracture sites of implants, such as titanium plates for rib fractures, can lead to surgical failure.
- Molybdenum disulfide with silver phosphate (MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4) exhibits in vitro bactericidal properties.
- Optimizing MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coatings is crucial for enhancing implant performance in infected fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coated titanium implants in a novel rabbit rib fracture infection (RFI) model.
- To determine if MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coatings reduce bacterial infection and inflammation.
- To assess the impact of these coatings on osteogenesis and fracture healing.
Main Methods:
- A rabbit RFI model was established using varying concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus.
- Titanium (Ti) and MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coated Ti implants (Ti-MoS2-Ag3PO4) were tested in infected rib fractures under near-infrared light.
- Histological (HE, safranin-O), molecular (Western blot for IL-6, TNF-α), and microbiological analyses were performed. Biocompatibility was assessed via hemolysis, blood assays, and organ histology.
Main Results:
- The RFI model successfully replicated infection, showing pus and abscesses in infected groups compared to controls.
- Ti-MoS2-Ag3PO4 implants demonstrated a 99.43% antibacterial rate, significantly reducing bacterial load compared to Ti implants.
- Coated implants showed reduced inflammation (lower IL-6, TNF-α) and improved osteogenesis markers compared to uncoated implants in infected fractures.
Conclusions:
- The rabbit RFI model is effective for studying implant-associated infections.
- MoS2(S)-Ag3PO4 coated titanium implants are biocompatible and effectively manage Staphylococcus aureus infection.
- These coated implants show promise for improving fracture healing in infected scenarios.
