Evaluation of the Influence of Protein Coatings on Bacterial Adhesion to Biomaterials

Biomaterials used in medical implants are prone to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which can lead to persistent infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis, which is a major cause of prosthesis-associated infections, adheres to biomaterial surfaces and forms biofilms, increasing resistance to antibiotics and immune responses, compromising the osseointegration. Protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces plays a crucial role in bacterial adhesion. Serum albumin has the capacity to inhibit bacterial adhesion by creating a less favorable surface, whereas fibronectin (FN) promotes bacterial attachment by binding to bacterial fibronectin-binding proteins. This work studies the influence of human serum albumin (HSA) and FN coatings on adhesion of S. epidermidis to polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds, commonly used in tissue regeneration. Additionally, changes in surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity were analyzed. The findings provide the students with insight into how protein coatings modulate bacterial adhesion, potentially guiding the development of infection-resistant biomaterials, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of biomaterials, strengthen their capacity for scientific creativity, and develop greater enthusiasm for research.