Researchers at Colorado State University a new surface treatment for titanium implants which significantly reduce bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. This technology uses micro-nano topography combined with superhydrophobic surface chemistry to create an antibacterial surface. The result is a reduction of over 90% in bacterial attachment without relying on antibiotics. These characteristics can improve implant life, inflammation, and avoid biofilm formation.
Titanium is one of the most commonly used metals for medical devices due to its excellent properties including strength-weight ratio, biological inertness, passivating oxide layer, dimorphic properties, and biofilm formation. However, for blood contacting implants, titanium surfaces often promote clotting due to its two-dimensional planar surface. Over the last two decades research has shown that implants with surface topography plays a major role in dictating hemocompatibility and cell compatibility of such devices, prompting researchers to investigate various techniques to produce unique nanostructures on surfaces of implanted devices. More recently, studies have shown that superhydrophobic surfaces can reduce blood clotting due to the minimum contact with the surface. This technology addresses the need for passive, long-lasting antibacterial implant surfaces.
The technology utilizes a thermochemical surface modification to create micro-nano scale textures on titanium surfaces. These are further functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or silane to achieve superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic properties. The superhydrophobic surface demonstrated a dramatic decrease in bacterial adhesion (>90%) and inhibited biofilm formation after 24 hours, tested against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The treated surfaces also showed enhanced corrosion resistance and favorable surface charge characteristics.
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Ketul C. Popat
Vignesh K Manivasagam
Steve Foster
Steve.Foster@colostate.edu
970-491-7100