Formation of bacterial biofilms is a severe problem for many implants. Such biofilms are difficult to treat by systemic antibiotics and therefore often necessitate a revision surgery. The risk of biofilm formation can be reduced using coatings which minimize microbial colonization, while simultaneously foster a stable tissue adhesion on the implant surface.Copolymers of vinylpyridine (VP) with vinyl benzylphosphonate (VBP) or dimethyl(2-methacryloyloxy ethyl) phosphonate (DMMEP) in different compositions were synthesized and quarternized with hexyl bromide. Figure 1: Poly(VBP-co-hexVP) left and Poly(DMMEP-co-hexVP) rightThe copolymers were characterized by 1H-NMR- and IR-spectroscopy and coated on titanium disks. After drying of the layers unbound copolymer is washed away by solvent. The phosphonate groups bind the copolymer to the surface. The thickness of the layers is ca. 6-8 nm as evidenced by ellipsometry.1 Antibacterial activity is assessed by investigation of adherence of S. mutans.1 Most of the copolymers show a clear reduction in the number of adherent bacteria. Biocompatibility is rated based on human gingival fibroblast adhesion and proliferation as evaluated employing a modified LDH activity assay.1,2 Like the antibacterial effect also the biocompatibility strongly depends on the exact composition of the copolymers. There are some compositions which show significant anti-bacterial effect and simultaneously good biocompatibility.Financial support by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is acknowledged.1. Pfaffenroth, C. et al.Macromol. Biosci. (2011)11: 15152. Heuer, W. et al.Adv. Biomater. (2010) 8: B609

Self-binding polymers as antibacterial coatings for metallic and ceramic implants

247th National Meeting (2014)

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