Application of Antimicrobial Peptides on Biomedical Implants: Three Ways to Pursue Peptide Coatings.

Marco G Drexelius,Ines Neundorf

doi:10.3390/ijms222413212

Marco G Drexelius, Ines Neundorf

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413212

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Abstract

Biofilm formation and inflammations are number one reasons of implant failure and cause a severe number of postoperative complications every year. To functionalize implant surfaces with antibiotic agents provides perspectives to minimize and/or prevent bacterial adhesion and proliferation. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMP) have been evolved as promising alternatives to commonly used antibiotics, and have been seen as potent candidates for antimicrobial surface coatings. This review aims to summarize recent developments in this field and to highlight examples of the most common techniques used for preparing such AMP-based medical devices. We will report on three different ways to pursue peptide coatings, using either binding sequences (primary approach), linker layers (secondary approach), or loading in matrixes which offer a defined release (tertiary approach). All of them will be discussed in the light of current research in this area.

Highlights

The use of medical devices has become part of our daily lives, and within the last years significant progress has been made in the development of such smart and innovative materials
One example of such often occurring incidences displays peri-implantitis being frequently related with dental implants [2,3,4]
The results showed that the antimicrobial peptides (AMP)-coated titanium plates exhibited great potency against both tested strains, offering a promising way to control postoperative infections of open fractures [26]

Summary

Introduction

The use of medical devices has become part of our daily lives, and within the last years significant progress has been made in the development of such smart and innovative materials Despite their ongoing improvement main challenges in their application represent implant-associated bacterial wound infections. Different types of coatings have been developed and tested, including layers of metals that exhibit antimicrobial properties (e.g., silver ions) [10,11], or direct immobilization of antibiotic drugs onto the surface [12]. On the other side, based on the high density and slow biodegradability of ceramics, their further development and use as medical devices is highly challenging [24] Another example that has become increasingly popular recently, comprises the polymeric material polyetheretherketone, known as PEEK, which is characterized by its high thermostability and potential for high-load. This material has to be improved concerning its limited bioinertness and lack of antibacterial properties

Primary Coating—Use of Specific Metal Binding Sequences

Secondary Coating—Two Step Approach Including Linker Layers

Tertiary Coating—Loading and Release from Matrices

Conclusions