Antibacterial Silver-Nanoparticle-Coated Stainless Steel Nails for Implant-Associated Osteomyelitis

Clinically, significant challenges remain in the treatment of implant-associated osteomyelitis. Herein, we modified the process of an active screen plasma surface technique to prepare a silver nanoparticle coating and then performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate the effectiveness of the silver nanoparticle-coated products prepared using this innovative technique in treating Staphylococcus- and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced osteomyelitis. Consequently, the microstructures, antibacterial properties, corrosion performance, biocompatibility, and biosafety of the materials were evaluated in our study. The antibacterial capacity of 2h-Ag-aspsm@SS in vitro was investigated using microbiological counting assays, bacterial viability assays, biofilm formation observations, and the expression of biofilm, compared to antibiotic bone cement nails and control groups. Similarly, the antibacterial capacity of 2h-Ag-aspsm@SS in vivo was investigated through micro-CT, microbiological cultures, and histopathological staining. The biocompatibility and safety examinations, including blood biochemical tests and histology, showed that Ag-aspsm@SS caused no obvious harm to the body. In summary, our study demonstrated that 2h-Ag-aspsm@SS could potentially serve as an implant for treating implant-associated osteomyelitis with a long-lasting antimicrobial capacity.