Comparison of the Antibacterial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and a Multifunctional Antimicrobial Peptide on Titanium Surface

Titanium implantation success may be compromised by Staphylococcus aureus surface colonization and posterior infection. To avoid this issue, different strategies have been investigated to promote an antibacterial character to titanium. In this work, two antibacterial agents (silver nanoparticles and a multifunctional antimicrobial peptide) were used to coat titanium surfaces. The modulation of the nanoparticle (similar to 32.1 +/- 9.4 nm) density on titanium could be optimized, and a sequential functionalization with both agents was achieved through a two-step functionalization method by means of surface silanization. The antibacterial character of the coating agents was assessed individually as well as combined. The results have shown that a reduction in bacteria after 4 h of incubation can be achieved on all the coated surfaces. After 24 h of incubation, however, the individual antimicrobial peptide coating was more effective than the silver nanoparticles or their combination against Staphylococcus aureus. All tested coatings were non-cytotoxic for eukaryotic cells.

Automated summary

The success of titanium implantation may be compromised by Staphylococcus aureus colonization and infection. To address this issue, different strategies have been explored to enhance the antibacterial properties of titanium. In this study, silver nanoparticles and a multifunctional antimicrobial peptide were used to coat titanium surfaces. The density of nanoparticles on titanium was optimized and a two-step functionalization method was used to sequentially coat the surfaces with both agents. The antibacterial effectiveness of the coatings, individually and in combination, was evaluated, and all the tested coatings showed reduced bacteria after 4 hours of incubation. However, after 24 hours of incubation, the individual antimicrobial peptide coating demonstrated greater efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus compared to the silver nanoparticles or their combination. The tested coatings were also found to be non-toxic to eukaryotic cells.