Article contents
Hydroxylapatite Silver Phosphate Ceramics: Production, Analysis and Biological Testing of their Antibacterial Effectiveness
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
Extract
One important, and perhaps the crucial reason for lack of success in permanent implants is their colonization by bacteria (ref. 1,2 ). There are various reports of bacteria lodging the surface implants and their success in escaping from the host's defense mechanisms. Quantitative studies of ecosystems have established that more than 99,9% of the bacteria within the system live in microcolonies within biofilms that are adherent to inert surfaces ( ref. 3,4 ). Many of the bacteria that colonize the surfaces of clinical biomaterials also grow in thick, adherent biofilms ( 10, 11 ). - They may be introduced when a biomaterial is implanted or they may be carried to the surface of the biomaterial by a transient bacteriemia. Once there, their adherence is probably a virulence factor and it may enhance their protection against both antibiotics and natural host defences. The adherence of bacteria in industrial systems protect them from chemical and biocides and antiseptics. Adherence of autochtonous bacteria to ephitelium protects them from surfactants, opsonizing antibodies and phagocytic macrophages ( 12,13,14,15,16,17 ). - Apparently what is needed is antibacterial protection confined to the surface of the implant to prevent bacterial invasion of the implant. Antimicrobial penetration into the surrounding tissues is probably unnecessary.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988
References
- 3
- Cited by