Novel Silver-Functionalized Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds Designed to Counteract Post-Surgical Infections in Orthopedic Applications |
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| Authors: | Sara Comini Rosaria Sparti Bartolomeo Coppola Mehdi Mohammadi Sara Scutera Francesca Menotti Giuliana Banche Anna Maria Cuffini Paola Palmero Valeria Allizond |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 9, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.C.); (F.M.); (A.M.C.); (V.A.);2.Immunology Laboratory, Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 9, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.S.); (S.S.);3.INSTM R.U. Lince Laboratory, Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Turin, Italy; (B.C.); (M.M.); (P.P.) |
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| Abstract: | In this study, we designed and developed novel poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biomaterials, for use as bone scaffolds, through modification with both biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), to impart bioactive/bioresorbable properties, and with silver nitrate, to provide antibacterial protection against Staphylococcus aureus, a microorganism involved in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the samples were characterized by square-shaped macropores, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of PCL and BCP phases, while inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) established the release of Ag+ in the medium (~0.15–0.8 wt% of initial Ag content). Adhesion assays revealed a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in both adherent and planktonic staphylococci on the Ag-functionalized biomaterials, and the presence of an inhibition halo confirmed Ag release from enriched samples. To assess the potential outcome in promoting bone integration, preliminary tests on sarcoma osteogenic-2 (Saos-2) cells indicated PCL and BCP/PCL biocompatibility, but a reduction in viability was observed for Ag-added biomaterials. Due to their combined biodegrading and antimicrobial properties, the silver-enriched BCP/PCL-based scaffolds showed good potential for engineering of bone tissue and for reducing PJIs as a microbial anti-adhesive tool used in the delivery of targeted antimicrobial molecules, even if the amount of silver needs to be tuned to improve osteointegration. |
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| Keywords: | prosthetic joint infections poly(ε -caprolactone) scaffolds biphasic calcium phosphate silver ions Staphylococcus aureus antibacterial properties Saos-2 cell vitality/proliferation |
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