Abstract
The primary goal of our investigation was the development of a versatile immobilization matrix based on archaeal tetraether lipids that meets the most important prerequisites to render an implant surface bioactive by binding specific functional groups or functional polymers with the necessary flexibility and an optimal spatial arrangement to be bioavailable. From this point of view, it appears obvious that numerous efforts made recently to avoid initial bacterial adhesion on catheter surfaces as an important prerequisite of material associated infection episodes have shown only a limited efficiency since the bioactive entities could not be presented in an optimal conformation and a stable density. A significant improvement of this situation can be achieved by highly specific biomimetic modifications of the catheter surfaces. The term "biomimetic" originates from the fact that specific archaeal tetraether lipids were introduced to form a membrane analog monomolecular spacer system, which (1) can be immobilized on nearly all solid surfaces and (2) chemically modified to present a tailor-made functionality in contact with aqueous media either to avoid or inhibit surface fouling or to equip any implant surface with the necessary chemical functionality to enable cell adhesion and tissue integration. Ultrathin films based on tetraether lipids isolated from archaea Thermoplasma acidophilum were used as a special biomimetic immobilization matrix on the surface of commercial medical silicon elastomers. A complete performance control of the membrane analog coatings was realized in addition to biofunctionality tests, including the proof of cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility according to DIN EN ISO 10993. In order to make sure that the developed immobilization matrix including the grafted functional groups are biocompatible under in vivo-conditions, specific animal tests were carried out to examine the in vivo-performance. It can be concluded that the tetraether lipid based coating systems on silicone have shown no signs of cytotoxicity and a good hemocompatibility. Moreover, no mutagenic effects, no irritation effects, and no sensitization effects could be demonstrated. After an implantation period of 28 days, no irregularities were found.
Highlights
There is no doubt that the appearance of these infections is associated with bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation
From this point of view, it appears obvious that numerous efforts made recently to avoid initial bacterial adhesion on catheter surfaces as an important prerequisite of material associated infection episodes have shown only a limited efficiency since the bioactive entities could not be presented in an optimal conformation and a stable density
A lot of publications describe the use of polymer brushes, in particular, polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers grafted to a surface, where water molecules will be immobilized between the PEG chains, which hinder bacterial adhesion
Summary
There is no doubt that the appearance of these infections is associated with bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The development of active antimicrobial medical devices was primarily directed to the modification of implant surfaces with the aim to kill pathogenic bacteria and to combat or eradicate infections.. The development of active antimicrobial medical devices was primarily directed to the modification of implant surfaces with the aim to kill pathogenic bacteria and to combat or eradicate infections.15 Such new customary antifouling coatings led to an additional long-term stability as well as to an improved bio- and hemocompatibility.. An alternative approach to overcome the problem is based on the passive modification of catheter surfaces to avoid initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation by changing their physicochemical characteristics such as surface energy and surface charge to influence the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance or to establish a stable surface hydration using specific functional groups.. The development of active antimicrobial medical devices was primarily directed to the modification of implant surfaces with the aim to kill pathogenic bacteria and to combat or eradicate infections. Such new customary antifouling coatings led to an additional long-term stability as well as to an improved bio- and hemocompatibility. antibiotic release from biomaterial surfaces as antiinfective approach is often insufficient to hinder biofilm formation and leads apparently to an increased microbial resistance. Especially, for biofilms inside of catheters the resistance to antibiotics is problematic and changes in clinical practice are recommended. An alternative approach to overcome the problem is based on the passive modification of catheter surfaces to avoid initial bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation by changing their physicochemical characteristics such as surface energy and surface charge to influence the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance or to establish a stable surface hydration using specific functional groups. A lot of publications describe the use of polymer brushes, in particular, polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers grafted to a surface, where water molecules will be immobilized between the PEG chains, which hinder bacterial adhesion.
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