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Development of silastic polyurethane (Angioflex) materials with antibacterial agent
K Rathinam1, P R Hari, C P Sharma
1Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Antimicrobial polyurethane coatings are crucial for preventing implant infections. Chlorhexidine-coated Angioflex showed significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus strains, with glow discharge offering no added benefit.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Diseases
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Foreign Body Associated Infection (FBAI) is a significant clinical challenge.
- Bioimplants require effective antimicrobial strategies to prevent FBAI.
- Polyurethane (Angioflex) is a common biomaterial for implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate antimicrobial polyurethane materials for FBAI prevention.
- To assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine coatings and glow discharge treatments on Angioflex.
- To determine the antibacterial effects against clinical Staphylococcus strains.
Main Methods:
- Five types of polyurethane materials were prepared: bare, glow discharged, chlorhexidine-coated, glow discharged & chlorhexidine-coated, and recoated with chlorhexidine digluconate.
- In vitro antibacterial activity was tested using the disc diffusion technique.
- Materials were challenged against five standard clinical Staphylococcus strains (Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis).
Main Results:
- Polyurethanes coated with chlorhexidine digluconate (materials 3 and 4) exhibited the maximum antibacterial effects (zone of inhibition).
- Glow discharge treatment did not enhance the antibacterial efficacy of chlorhexidine-coated Angioflex.
- Significant zones of inhibition were observed against both Staph. aureus and Staph. epidermidis.
Conclusions:
- Chlorhexidine-coated Angioflex demonstrates potent in vitro antibacterial activity against key clinical Staphylococcus strains.
- Glow discharge treatment, when combined with chlorhexidine, does not provide additive or synergistic antibacterial benefits.
- Antimicrobial coatings are essential for developing safer bioimplants and reducing FBAI risk.