Dhvar5- and MSI78-coated titanium are bactericidal against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, immunomodulatory and osteogenic

Infection is one of the major issues associated with the failure of orthopedic devices, mainly due to implant bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, and associated antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics given their broad-spectrum of activity, low propensity to induce bacterial resistance, and ability to modulate host immune responses. Dhvar5 (LLLFLLKKRKKRKY) and MSI78 (GIGKFLKKAKKFGKAFVKILKK) are two AMP with broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most problematic etiologic agents in Orthopedic Devices-Related Infections (ODRI). This work aims to evaluate the bactericidal, immunomodulatory and osteogenic potential of Dhvar5- and MSI78-coated titanium surfaces (AMP-Ti). Two AMP-Ti surfaces were successfully obtained by grafting Dhvar5 (0.8 ± 0.1 µM/mm²) or MSI78 (0.5 ± 0.3 µM/mm²) onto titanium substrates through a polydopamine layer. Both AMP-Ti were bactericidal against MRSA, eradicating bacteria upon contact for 6 h in a culture medium supplemented with human plasma proteins. The AMP-Ti immunomodulatory potential was evaluated using human primary macrophages, by assessing surfaces capacity to induce pro-/anti-inflammatory (M1/M2) markers and cytokines. While in naïve conditions both AMP-Ti surfaces slightly promoted the M2 marker CD163, in response to LPS and IFN-γ (simulating a bacterial infection), both AMP increased the M1 marker CCR7 and enhanced macrophage secretion of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines, particularly for Ti-MSI78 surfaces. Additionally, both AMP-Ti surfaces were cytocompatible and promoted osteoblastic cell differentiation. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the high potential of Dhvar5- and MSI78-Ti as antimicrobial coatings for ODRI prevention.

Statement of significance

This study investigates the bactericidal effects of the antimicrobial peptides Dhvar5 and MSI78, immobilized on titanium (Ti) surfaces through a polydopamine coating, aiming at the prevention of Orthopedic-Device Related Infections (ODRIs). The developed coatings displayed MRSA-sterilizing activity, while revealing an immunomodulatory potential towards macrophages and promoting osteoblastic cell differentiation. This strategy allows a quick and easy immobilization of high quantities of AMP, unlike most other approaches, thus favoring its clinical translation.