The inhibition of Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation by vancomycin-modified titanium alloy and implications for the treatment of periprosthetic infection

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

Peri-prosthetic infections are notoriously difficult to treat as the biomaterial implant is ideal for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, resulting in decreased antibiotic sensitivity. Previously, we reported that vancomycin covalently attached to a Ti alloy surface (Vanc-Ti) could prevent bacterial colonization. Herein we examine the effect of this Vanc-Ti surface on Staphylococci epidermidis, a Gram-positive organism prevalent in orthopaedic infections. By direct colony counting and fluorescent visualization of live bacteria, S. epidermidis colonization was significantly inhibited on Vanc-Ti implants. In contrast, the gram-negative organism Escherichia coli readily colonized the Vanc-Ti rod, suggesting retention of antibiotic specificity. By histochemical and SEM analysis, Vanc-Ti prevented S. epidermidis biofilm formation, even in the presence of serum. Furthermore, when challenged multiple times with S. epidermidis, Vanc-Ti rods resisted bacterial colonization. Finally, when S. epidermidis was continuously cultured in the presence of Vanc-Ti, the bacteria maintained a Vanc sensitivity equivalent to the parent strain. These findings indicate that antibiotic derivatization of implants can result in a surface that can resist bacterial colonization. This technology holds great promise for the prevention and treatment of periprosthetic infections. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Publication Title

Biomaterials

Volume

29

Issue

35

First Page

4684

Last Page

4690

Comments

This article was published in Biomaterials, Volume 29, Issue 35, Pages 4684-4690.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.08.016.

Copyright © 2008.

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