Kinetics of colonization of a porous vitreous carbon percutaneous implant

Abstract

Implants of porous vitreous carbon with pore diameters 200–500 μm were surgically placed in rabbits and pigs. Skin colonization experiments were carried out by topically inoculating concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in a test area adjacent to the implant and to a remote control area. Subsequent swab cultures were taken at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h and one or more weeks. In vitro attachment studies were also performed using bacteria stained with FITC on 1 mm slices of the porous carbon. Proplast was used as a control. Results showed that despite a temporary high rate of colonization and obvious binding of the bacteria to the carbon, the skin-implant interface resists infection by both normal and pathogenic flora.