Antibacterial implant coatings may better adhere to devices using a polymer layer
A research group at the University of South Australia has worked on developing techniques to permanently bind antibacterial coatings to medical devices - from orthopedic implants and catheters to contact lenses - by first binding them to a polymer layer, according to a press release from the American Institute of Physics.
The researchers presented their results using a novel diterpene compound at the American Vacuum Society (AVS) 57th International Symposium and Exhibition. Their overall approach is aimed at preventing biofilm formation on implants, which can increase the risk of infection.
“We believe that no solution will be universal so we want to establish an array of approaches,” Hans Griesser of the University of South Australia stated in the release. “The new diterpene compounds that we are testing are structurally quite different from established antibacterial compounds, and they are effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). That is what got us excited about them.”
The researchers started by applying a plasma polymer coating, which is an ultra-thin film. This technique works on different base materials, including glass, metal and many polymers used in manufacturing devices, according to the release. The ultra-thin polymer film then acts as a scaffold that materials bind to and either signal the bacteria to not attach to the surface or prevent the bacteria from multiplying once they are attached to it.
In their presentation, the researchers discussed and compared how several antibiotics work when they were applied to the polymer film, including silver nanoparticles and novel diterpene compounds. The latter are derived from Australian plants used in traditional medicine. Each approach has its pros and cons, which must be carefully weighed before ever using them on devices implanted in humans, according to the release.
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A research group at the University of South Australia has worked on developing techniques to permanently bind antibacterial coatings to medical devices - from orthopedic implants and catheters to contact lenses - by first binding them to a polymer layer, according to a press release from the American Institute of Physics.
The researchers presented their results using a novel diterpene compound at the American Vacuum Society (AVS) 57th International Symposium and Exhibition. Their overall approach is aimed at preventing biofilm formation on implants, which can increase the risk of infection.
“We believe that no solution will be universal so we want to establish an array of approaches,” Hans Griesser of the University of South Australia stated in the release. “The new diterpene compounds that we are testing are structurally quite different from established antibacterial compounds, and they are effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). That is what got us excited about them.”
The researchers started by applying a plasma polymer coating, which is an ultra-thin film. This technique works on different base materials, including glass, metal and many polymers used in manufacturing devices, according to the release. The ultra-thin polymer film then acts as a scaffold that materials bind to and either signal the bacteria to not attach to the surface or prevent the bacteria from multiplying once they are attached to it.
In their presentation, the researchers discussed and compared how several antibiotics work when they were applied to the polymer film, including silver nanoparticles and novel diterpene compounds. The latter are derived from Australian plants used in traditional medicine. Each approach has its pros and cons, which must be carefully weighed before ever using them on devices implanted in humans, according to the release.
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