Chitosan-Silver Thin Film-Coated Titanium Coupons using Silane Linkers Inhibit Biofilm and Planktonic Growth

Titanium is a component of many implants and orthopedic instruments, such as screws and rods; however, this and other materials may serve as a nidus for bacterial biofilm attachment. Chitosan is a biopolymer with advantages as a surface modifier, and silver ions have broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. For this study, chitosan is bound to silver through a novel, patented process. The purpose of this research is to characterize silane-linked chitosan-silver coatings for titanium, including comparing antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, silane-linked chitosan-silver titanium coupons reduced Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) viability by 98% (planktonic) and 99.5% (biofilm) while supporting viability of Saos-2 osteoblast cells at levels of 75% compared with control uncoated titanium. Due to the observation of retaining osteoblast viability while reducing bacterial viability, silane-linked chitosan-silver coatings could be useful for titanium implants to reduce post-operative infection as well as support the healing process. KEYWORDS: Titanium; Staphylococcus aureus; Silver; Chitosan; Silane; Osteoblast; Antimicrobial; Coating