Abstract
The widespread occurrence of nosocomial infections and the emergence of new bacterial strands calls for the development of antibacterial coatings with localized antibacterial action that are capable of facing the challenges posed by increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique, based on the alternating assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes, can be applied for the non-covalent modification of multiple substrates, including medical implants. Polyelectrolyte multilayers fabricated by the LbL technique have been extensively researched for the development of antibacterial coatings as they can be loaded with antibiotics, antibacterial peptides, nanoparticles with bactericide action, in addition to being capable of restricting adhesion of bacteria to surfaces. In this review, the different approaches that apply LbL for antibacterial coatings, emphasizing those that can be applied for implant modification are presented.
Highlights
A current challenge in the design of biomaterials for tissue engineering and implant fabrication is the need to inhibit bacterial adhesion/colonization while, at the same time, facilitating the desired interactions of the implant with cells and proteins [1]
Taking into account the results reported on the antifouling properties of PEI and the antimicrobial properties of chitosan (CHI) [134], the authors assembled a multilayer of synthetic polyethylenimine-β-cyclodextrin (PEI-β-CD) and synthetic ferrocene-modified chitosan (Fc-CHT)
The lLayer-by-Layer technique offers multiple possibilities for the design of antibacterial coatings that can be assembled on implants
Summary
A current challenge in the design of biomaterials for tissue engineering and implant fabrication is the need to inhibit bacterial adhesion/colonization while, at the same time, facilitating the desired interactions of the implant with cells and proteins [1]. Even with the development of therapies based on prophylactic antibiotics, environmental control and the latest improvements in surgical techniques, the incidence of infection varies between 1–2% in primary arthroplasties and 3.5–5% in revision surgeries. Biofilms act as a protecting layer against the host defence and bactericidal agents, so it remains highly challenging and critical to avoid infection just after the implantation surgery [8]. PEM fabrication offers a modular approach to bring antibiotics, bactericide peptides and nanoparticles, positive charges to disrupt bacteria membranes, and inhibit bacteria adhesion and proliferation, all in one [25]
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