Antibacterial molybdenum disulfide with silver phosphate coating on titanium fixator in rabbit models of rib fracture infection
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Published on: March 14, 2019
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.
