Facile preparation of mussel-inspired antibiotic-decorated titanium surfaces with enhanced antibacterial activity for implant applications

Abstract Titanium implants (Ti) have been widely used in several medical fields. In clinical practice, Ti can become contaminated with bacteria through a variety of mechanisms. This contamination can lead to implant failure and serious infections. In this study, we aimed to develop a new, hybrid Ti with good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties by immobilizing ceftazidime (CFT) onto the Ti surface through polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) chemistry. Hybrid Ti was confirmed by assessing the cell proliferation of human adipose-derived stem cells using a cell counting. The biofilm formation across the Ti surface of two bacterial strains associated with nosocomial infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The viability of the bacteria exposed to Ti surface was evaluated by cell counting. Our results clearly demonstrate that the bacterial biofilm formation as well as bacterial viability was significantly reduced on the hybrid Ti as compared to the control, Ti alone. Collectively, the Ti surface was successfully modified to form the hybrid Ti exhibiting good biocompatibility and antibacterial properties through PDA, PEI, and CFT grafting. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, we conclude that the hybrid Ti may be useful for successful implant treatment.