Antibiotic-loaded amphora-shaped pores on a titanium implant surface enhance osteointegration and prevent infections

Artificial prostheses for joint replacement are indispensable in orthopedic surgery. Unfortunately, the implanted surface is attractive to not only host cells but also bacteria. To enable better osteointegration, a mechanically stable porous structure was created on titanium using laser treatment and metallic silver particles were embedded hydrophilic oxide layer top. The structuring resulted unique amphora-shaped pores. Due their conditions capillary forces, pores can be loaded preoperative with antibiotic of choice/need, such as gentamicin. Cytotoxicity differentiation assays primary human osteoblast-like revealed no negative effect modification or without gentamicin loading. An vivo biocompatibility study showed significantly enhanced osteointegration measured by push-out testing histomorphometry 56 days after implantation K-wires into rat femora. Using S. aureus infection model, porous, silver-coated slightly reduced signs bone destruction, while wires still colonized 28 days. Loading histopathological destruction bacteria detected wires. Taken together, this novel applied new established implants. It enables loading choice/need further equipment post-coating, supports released dug,