Conjugates of Ciprofloxacin and Amphiphilic Block Copoly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines)s Overcome Efflux Pumps and Are Active against CIP-Resistant Bacteria.

Conjugation of antibiotics with polymers is an emerging strategy to improve the performance of these important drugs. Here, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) was conjugated with amphiphilic poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) block copolymers to investigate whether the activity of the antibiotic was enhanced due to additionally induced membrane activity. The resulting polymer-antibiotic conjugates (PACs) are an order of magnitude more active against the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus than CIP and show high activities against numerous pathogenic bacterial strains. Their high activity depends on an optimal hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance (HHB) of the POx tail. Mechanistic studies revealed that the derivatization of CIP required for the polymer conjugation lowers the affinity of the antibiotic to its target topoisomerase IV. However, the amphiphilic PACs are most likely concentrated within the bacterial cytoplasm, which overcompensates the loss of affinity and results in high antibacterial activity. In addition, the development of resistance in S. aureus and Escherichia coli is slowed down. More importantly, the amphiphilic PACs are active against CIP-resistant S. aureus and E. coli. The PACs with the highest activity are not cytotoxic toward human stem cells and do not lyse blood cells in saturated solution.

Comparative proteomic analysis of osteogenic differentiated human adipose tissue and bone marrow-derived stromal cells.

Mesenchymal stromal cells are promising candidates for regenerative applications upon treatment of bone defects. Bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) are limited by yield and donor morbidity but show superior osteogenic capacity compared to adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs), which are highly abundant and easy to harvest. The underlying reasons for this difference on a proteomic level have not been studied yet. Human ASCs and BMSCs were characterized by FACS analysis and tri-lineage differentiation, followed by an intraindividual comparative proteomic analysis upon osteogenic differentiation. Results of the proteomic analysis were followed by functional pathway analysis. 29 patients were included with a total of 58 specimen analysed. In these, out of 5148 identified proteins 2095 could be quantified in >80% of samples of both cell types, 427 in >80% of ASCs only and 102 in >80% of BMSCs only. 281 proteins were differentially regulated with a fold change of >1.5 of which 204 were higher abundant in BMSCs and 77 in ASCs. Integrin cell surface interactions were the most overrepresented pathway with 5 integrins being among the proteins with highest fold change. Integrin 11a, a known key protein for osteogenesis, could be identified as strongly up-regulated in BMSC confirmed by Western blotting. The integrin expression profile is one of the key distinctive features of osteogenic differentiated BMSCs and ASCs. Thus, they represent a promising target for modifications of ASCs aiming to improve their osteogenic capacity and approximate them to that of BMSCs.

Enhanced dissolution of silver nanoparticles in a physical mixture with platinum nanoparticles based on the sacrificial anode effect.

A strategy to reduce implant-related infections is the inhibition of the initial bacterial implant colonization by biomaterials containing silver (Ag). The antimicrobial efficacy of such biomaterials can be increased by surface enhancement (nanosilver) or by creating a sacrificial anode system for Ag. Such a system will lead to an electrochemically driven enhanced Ag ion release due to the presence of a more noble metal. Here we combined the enlarged surface of nanoparticles (NP) with a possible sacrificial anode effect for Ag induced by the presence of the electrochemically more noble platinum (Pt) in physical mixtures of Ag NP and Pt NP dispersions. These Ag NP/Pt NP mixtures were compared to the same amounts of pure Ag NP in terms of cell biological responses, i.e. the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as well as the viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). In addition, Ag NP was analyzed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. It was found that the dissolution rate of Ag NP was enhanced in the presence of Pt NP within the physical mixture compared to a dispersion of pure Ag NP. Dissolution experiments revealed a fourfold increased Ag ion release from physical mixtures due to enhanced electrochemical activity, which resulted in a significantly increased toxicity towards both bacteria and hMSC. Thus, our results provide evidence for an underlying sacrificial anode mechanism induced by the presence of Pt NP within physical mixtures with Ag NP. Such physical mixtures have a high potential for various applications, for example as antimicrobial implant coatings in the biomedicine or as bactericidal systems for water and surface purification in the technical area.

Enhanced antibacterial performance of ultrathin silver/platinum nanopatches by a sacrificial anode mechanism.

The development of antibacterial implant surfaces is a challenging task in biomaterial research. We fabricated a highly antibacterial bimetallic platinum (Pt)/silver(Ag) nanopatch surface by short time sputtering of Pt and Ag on titanium. The sputter process led to a patch-like distribution with crystalline areas in the nanometer-size range (1.3-3.9 nm thickness, 3-60 nm extension). Structural analyses of Pt/Ag samples showed Ag- and Pt-rich areas containing nanoparticle-like Pt deposits of 1-2 nm. The adhesion and proliferation properties of S. aureus on the nanopatch samples were analyzed. Consecutively sputtered Ag/Pt nanopatches (Pt followed by Ag) induced enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to co-sputtered Pt/Ag samples or pure Ag patches of similar Ag amounts. The underlying sacrificial anode mechanism was proved by linear sweep voltammetry. The advantages of this nanopatch coating are the enhanced antimicrobial activity despite a reduced total amount of Ag/Pt and a self-limited effect due the rapid Ag dissolution.

Bimetallic silver-platinum nanoparticles with combined osteo-promotive and antimicrobial activity.

Bimetallic alloyed silver-platinum nanoparticles (AgPt NP) with different metal composition from Ag10Pt90 to Ag90Pt10 in steps of 20 mol% were synthesized. The biological effects of AgPt NP, including cellular uptake, cell viability, osteogenic differentiation and osteoclastogenesis as well as the antimicrobial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were analyzed in comparison to pure Ag NP and pure Pt NP. The uptake of NP into human mesenchymal stem cells was confirmed by cross-sectional focused-ion beam preparation and observation by scanning and transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive x-ray analysis. Lower cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity were observed for AgPt NP compared to pure Ag NP. Thus, an enhanced Ag ion release due to a possible sacrificial anode effect was not achieved. Nevertheless, a Ag content of at least 50 mol% was sufficient to induce bactericidal effects against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, a Pt-related (≥50 mol% Pt) osteo-promotive activity on human mesenchymal stem cells was observed by enhanced cell calcification and alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, the osteoclastogenesis of rat primary precursor osteoclasts was inhibited. In summary, these results demonstrate a combinatory osteo-promotive and antimicrobial activity of bimetallic Ag50Pt50 NP.

Shape-Dependent Dissolution and Cellular Uptake of Silver Nanoparticles.

The cellular uptake and dissolution of trigonal silver nanoprisms (edge length 42 ± 15 nm, thickness 8 ± 1 nm) and mostly spherical silver nanoparticles (diameter 70 ± 25 nm) in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC's) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were investigated. Both particles are stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), with the prisms additionally stabilized by citrate. The nanoprisms dissolved slightly in pure water but strongly in isotonic saline or at pH 4, corresponding to the lowest limit for the pH during cellular uptake. The tips of the prisms became rounded within minutes due to their high surface energy. Afterward, the dissolution process slowed down due to the presence of both PVP stabilizing Ag{100} sites and citrate blocking Ag{111} sites. On the contrary, nanospheres, solely stabilized by PVP, dissolved within 24 h. These results correlate with the finding that particles in both cell types have lost >90% of their volume within 24 h. hMSC's took up significantly more Ag from nanoprisms than from nanospheres, whereas HaCaT cells showed no preference for one particle shape. This can be rationalized by the large cellular interaction area of the plateletlike nanoprisms and the bending stiffness of the cell membranes. hMSC's have a highly flexible cell membrane, resulting in an increased uptake of plateletlike particles. HaCaT cells have a membrane with a 3 orders of magnitude higher Young's modulus than for hMSC. Hence, the energy gain due to the larger interaction area of the nanoprisms is compensated for by the higher energy needed for cell membrane deformation compared to that for spheres, leading to no shape preference.

Structure-related antibacterial activity of a titanium nanostructured surface fabricated by glancing angle sputter deposition.

The aim of this study was to reproduce the physico-mechanical antibacterial effect of the nanocolumnar cicada wing surface for metallic biomaterials by fabrication of titanium (Ti) nanocolumnar surfaces using glancing angle sputter deposition (GLAD). Nanocolumnar Ti thin films were fabricated by GLAD on silicon substrates. S. aureus as well as E. coli were incubated with nanostructured or reference dense Ti thin film test samples for one or three hours at 37 °C. Bacterial adherence, morphology, and viability were analyzed by fluorescence staining and scanning electron microscopy and compared to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).Bacterial adherence was not significantly different after short (1 h) incubation on the dense or the nanostructured Ti surface. In contrast to S. aureus the viability of E. coli was significantly decreased after 3 h on the nanostructured film compared to the dense film and was accompanied by an irregular morphology and a cell wall deformation. Cell adherence, spreading and viability of hMSCs were not altered on the nanostructured surface. The results show that the selective antibacterial effect of the cicada wing could be transferred to a nanostructured metallic biomaterial by mimicking the natural nanocolumnar topography.

Cell-Biological Response and Sub-Toxic Inflammatory Effects of Titanium Dioxide Particles with Defined Polymorphic Phase, Size, and Shape.

Six types of titanium dioxide particles with defined size, shape, and crystal structure (polymorphic form) were prepared: nanorods (70 × 25 nm2), rutile sub-microrods (190 × 40 nm2), rutile microspheres (620 nm), anatase nanospheres (100 nm), anatase microspheres (510 nm), and amorphous titania microspheres (620 nm). All particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, dynamic light scattering, infrared spectroscopy, and UV spectroscopy. The sub-toxic cell-biological response to these particles by NR8383 macrophages was assessed. All particle types were taken up well by the cells. The cytotoxicity and the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were negligible for all particles up to a dose of 100 µg mL-1, except for rutile microspheres which had a very rough surface in contrast to anatase and amorphous titania microspheres. The particle-induced cell migration assay (PICMA; based on chemotaxis) of all titanium dioxide particles was comparable to the effect of control silica nanoparticles (50 nm, uncoated, agglomerated) but did not show a trend with respect to particle size, shape, or crystal structure. The coating with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) had no significant biological effect. However, the rough surface of rutile microspheres clearly induced pro-inflammatory cell reactions that were not predictable by the primary particle size alone.

Olfactory Stem Cells for the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury-A New Pathway to the Cure?

OBJECTIVE: Because full functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a major challenge, stem cell therapies represent promising strategies to improve neurologic functions after SCI. The olfactory mucosa (OM) displays an attractive source of multipotent cells for regenerative approaches and is easily accessible by biopsies because of its exposed location. The regenerative capacity of the resident olfactory stem cells (OSCs) has been demonstrated in animal as well as clinical studies. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of isolation, purification and cultivation of OSCs. METHODS: OM specimens were taken dorso-posterior from nasal middle turbinate. OSCs were isolated and purified using the neurosphere assay. Differentiation capacity of the OSCs in neural lineage and their behavior in a plasma clot matrix were investigated. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that OSCs differentiated into neural lineage and were positive for GFAP as well as ß-III tubulin. Furthermore, OSCs were viable and proliferated in a plasma clot matrix. CONCLUSIONS: Because there are no standard methods for purification, characterization, and delivery of OSCs to the injury site, which is a prerequisite for the clinical approval, this study focuses on the establishment of appropriate methods and underlines the high potential of the OM for autologous cell therapeutic approaches.

Nanoscale copper and silver thin film systems display differences in antiviral and antibacterial properties.

The current Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has exemplified the need for simple and efficient prevention strategies that can be rapidly implemented to mitigate infection risks. Various surfaces have a long history of antimicrobial properties and are well described for the prevention of bacterial infections. However, their effect on many viruses has not been studied in depth. In the context of COVID-19, several surfaces, including copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) coatings have been described as efficient antiviral measures that can easily be implemented to slow viral transmission. In this study, we detected antiviral properties against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on surfaces, which were coated with Cu by magnetron sputtering as thin Cu films or as Cu/Ag ultrathin bimetallic nanopatches. However, no effect of Ag on viral titers was observed, in clear contrast to its well-known antibacterial properties. Further enhancement of Ag ion release kinetics based on an electrochemical sacrificial anode mechanism did not increase antiviral activity. These results clearly demonstrate that Cu and Ag thin film systems display significant differences in antiviral and antibacterial properties which need to be considered upon implementation.

The effect of short silica fibers (0.3 µm 3.2 µm) on macrophages.

Silica fibers with a dimension of 0.3 µm ∙ 3.2 µm2 nm were prepared by a modified Stöber synthesis as model particles. The particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetry and X-ray powder diffraction. Their uptake by macrophages (THP-1 cells and NR8383 cells) was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The uptake by cells was very high, but the silica fibers were not harmful to NR8383 cells in concentrations up to 100 µg mL-1. Only above 100 µg mL-1, significant cell toxic effects were observed, probably induced by a high dose of particles that had sedimented on the cells and led to the adverse effects. The chemotactic response as assessed by the particle-induced migration assay (PICMA) was weak in comparison to a control of agglomerated silica particles. The as-prepared fibers were fully X-ray amorphous but crystallized to ß-cristobalite after heating to 1000 °C and converted to α-cristobalite upon cooling to ambient temperature. The fibers had sintered to larger aggregates but retained their elongated primary shape. The particle cytotoxicity towards THP-1 cells was not significantly enhanced by the crystallization.

Subtoxic cell responses to silica particles with different size and shape.

Health risks from particles are a priority challenge to health protection at work. Despite the ubiquitous exposure to a wide range of particles and the many years of research in this field, there are fundamental unresolved questions regarding the prevention of particle-related respiratory diseases. Here, the highly relevant particulate material silicon dioxide was analyzed with emphasis on defined size and shape. Silica particles were prepared with different size and shape: Spheres (NS nanospheres 60 nm; SMS submicrospheres 230 nm; MS microspheres 430 nm) and rods (SMR submicrorods with d = 125 nm, L = 230 nm; aspect ratio 1:1.8; MR microrods with d = 100 nm, L = 600 nm; aspect ratio 1:6). After an in-depth physicochemical characterization, their effects on NR8383 alveolar macrophages were investigated. The particles were X-ray amorphous, well dispersed, and not agglomerated. Toxic effects were only observed at high concentrations, i.e. ≥ 200 µg mL-1, with the microparticles showing a stronger significant effect on toxicity (MS≈MR > SMR≈SMS≈NS) than the nanoparticles. Special attention was directed to effects in the subtoxic range (less than 50% cell death compared to untreated cells), i.e. below 100 µg mL-1 where chronic health effects may be expected. All particles were readily taken up by NR8383 cells within a few hours and mainly found associated with endolysosomes. At subtoxic levels, neither particle type induced strongly adverse effects, as probed by viability tests, detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protein microarrays, and cytokine release (IL-1ß, GDF-15, TNF-α, CXCL1). In the particle-induced cell migration assay (PICMA) with leukocytes (dHL-60 cells) and in cytokine release assays, only small effects were seen. In conclusion, at subtoxic concentrations, where chronic health effects may be expected, neither size and nor shape of the synthesized chemically identical silica particles showed harmful cell-biological effects.

Glancing-Angle Deposition of Nanostructures on an Implant Material Surface.

Cell-compatible and antibacterial surfaces are needed for implants, which frequently have complex and rough surfaces. Bio-inspired columnar nanostructures can be grown on flat substrates; however, the application of these nanostructures on clinically relevant, complex, and rough surfaces was pending. Therefore, a titanium plasma spray (TPS) implant surface was coated with titanium nano-spikes via glancing angle magnetron sputter deposition (GLAD) at room temperature. Using GLAD, it was possible to cover the three-dimensional, highly structured macroscopic surface (including cavities, niches, clefts, and curved areas) of the TPS homogeneously with nano-spikes (TPS+), creating a cell-compatible and antibacterial surface. The adherence and spreading of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were similar for TPS and TPS+ surfaces. However, MSC adherent to TPS+ expressed less and shorter pseudopodia. The induced osteogenic response of MSC was significantly increased in cells cultivated on TPS+ compared with TPS. In addition, Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) adherent to the nano-spikes were partly destructed by a physico-mechanical mechanism; however, Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) were not significantly damaged.

Anti-thrombogenic coatings for devices in neurointerventional surgery: Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Stent-assisted coiling and extra-saccular flow diversion require dual anti-platelet therapy due to the thrombogenic properties of the implants. While both methods are widely accepted, thromboembolic complications and the detrimental effects of dual anti-platelet therapy remain a concern. Anti-thrombogenic surface coatings aim to solve both of these issues. Current developments are discussed within the framework of an actual clinical case. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 33-year-old male patient lost consciousness while doing sport and was administered 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid on site. Computed tomography revealed a massive subarachnoid haemorrhage, and digital subtraction angiography showed an aneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery. Stent-assisted coiling using a neck bridging device with a hydrophilic coating (pCONUS_HPC) was considered as an appropriate approach. Another 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid IV was given. After the single anti-platelet therapy was seen to be effective, a pCONUS_HPC was implanted, and the aneurysm sac subsequently fully occluded using coils. No thrombus formation was encountered. During the following days, 2 × 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid IV daily were required to maintain single anti-platelet therapy, monitored by frequent response testing. Follow-up digital subtraction angiography after 13 days confirmed the occlusion of the aneurysm and the patency of the middle cerebral artery. CONCLUSION: A variety of ways to reduce the thrombogenicity of neurovascular stents is discussed. Hydrophilic surface coatings are a valid concept to improve the haemocompatibility of neurovascular implants while avoiding the use of dual anti-platelet therapy. Phosphorylcholine and phenox hydrophilic polymer coating are currently the most promising candidates. This concept is supported by anecdotal experience. However, formalised registries and randomised trials are currently being established.

Comparative biological effects of spherical noble metal nanoparticles (Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, Au) with 4-8 nm diameter.

For a comparative cytotoxicity study, nanoparticles of the noble metals Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au (spherical, average diameter 4 to 8 nm) were prepared by reduction in water and colloidally stabilized with poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). Thus, their shape, size, and surface functionalization were all the same. Size and morphology of the nanoparticles were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), analytical disc centrifugation (differential centrifugal sedimentation, DCS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Cell-biological experiments were performed to determine the effect of particle exposure on the viability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Except for silver, no adverse effect of any of the metal nanoparticles was observed for concentrations up to 50 ppm (50 mg L-1) incubated for 24 h, indicating that noble metal nanoparticles (rhodium, palladium, platinum, gold) that do not release ions are not cytotoxic under these conditions.

Synthesis and biological characterization of alloyed silver-platinum nanoparticles: from compact core-shell nanoparticles to hollow nanoalloys.

Bimetallic nanoparticles consisting of silver and platinum were prepared by a modified seeded-growth process in water in the full composition range in steps of 10 mol%. The particles had diameters between 15-25 nm as determined by disc centrifugal sedimentation (DCS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Whereas particles with high platinum content were mostly spherical with a solid silver core/platinum shell structure, mostly hollow alloyed nanoparticles were observed with increasing silver content. The internal structure and the elemental distribution within the particles were elucidated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The particles were cytotoxic for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) above 50 mol% silver. This was explained by dissolution experiments where silver was only released at and above 50 mol% silver. In contrast, platinum-rich particles (less than 50 mol% silver) did not release any silver ions. This indicates that the presence of platinum inhibits the oxidative dissolution of silver.

Antibacterial activity of microstructured sacrificial anode thin films by combination of silver with platinum group elements (platinum, palladium, iridium).

Five different Ag dots arrays (16 to 400dots/mm2) were fabricated on a continuous platinum, palladium, or iridium thin film and for comparison also on titanium film by sputter deposition and photolithographic patterning. To analyze the antibacterial activity of these microstructured films Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were placed onto the array surfaces and cultivated overnight. To analyze the viability of planktonic as well as surface adherent bacteria, the applied bacterial fluid was subsequently aspirated, plated on blood agar plates and adherent bacteria were detected by fluorescence microscopy. A particular antibacterial effect towards S. aureus was induced by Ag dot arrays on each of the platinum group thin film (sacrificial anode system for Ag) in contrast to Ag dot arrays fabricated on the Ti thin films (non-sacrificial anode system for Ag). Among platinum group elements the Ir-Ag system exerted the highest antibacterial activity which was accompanied by most advanced dissolution of the Ag dots and Ag ion release compared to Ag dots on Pt or Pd.

Barium sulfate micro- and nanoparticles as bioinert reference material in particle toxicology.

The inhalation of particles and their exposure to the bronchi and alveoli constitute a major public health risk. Chemical as well as particle-related properties are important factors for the biological response but are difficult to separate from each other. Barium sulfate is a completely inert chemical compound, therefore it is ideally suited to separate these two factors. The biological response of rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383) was analyzed after exposure to barium sulfate particles with three different diameters (40 nm, 270 nm, and 1.3 µm, respectively) for 24 h in vitro (particle concentrations from 12.5 to 200 µg mL-1). The particles were colloidally stabilized as well as fluorescently-labeled by carboxymethylcellulose, conjugated with 6-aminofluorescein. All kinds of barium sulfate particles were efficiently taken up by NR8383 cells and found inside endo-lysosomes, but never in the cell nucleus. Neither an inflammatory nor a cytotoxic response was detected by the ability of dHL-60 and NR8383 cells to migrate towards a chemotactic gradient (conditioned media of NR8383 cells) and by the release of inflammatory mediators (CCL2, TNF-α, IL-6). The particles neither caused apoptosis (up to 200 µg mL-1) nor necrosis (up to 100 µg mL-1). As only adverse reaction, necrosis was found at a concentration of 200 µg mL-1 of the largest barium sulfate particles (1.3 µm). Barium sulfate particles are ideally suited as bioinert control to study size-dependent effects such as uptake mechanisms of intracellular distributions of pure particles, especially in nanotoxicology.

Characterization of mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite-silicon-multi walled carbon nano tubes composite coatings synthesized by EPD on NiTi alloys for biomedical application.

Release of Ni(1+) ions from NiTi alloy into tissue environment, biological response on the surface of NiTi and the allergic reaction of atopic people towards Ni are challengeable issues for biomedical application. In this study, composite coatings of hydroxyapatite-silicon multi walled carbon nano-tubes with 20wt% Silicon and 1wt% multi walled carbon nano-tubes of HA were deposited on a NiTi substrate using electrophoretic methods. The SEM images of coated samples exhibit a continuous and compact morphology for hydroxyapatite-silicon and hydroxyapatite-silicon-multi walled carbon nano-tubes coatings. Nano-indentation analysis on different locations of coatings represents the highest elastic modulus (45.8GPa) for HA-Si-MWCNTs which is between the elastic modulus of NiTi substrate (66.5GPa) and bone tissue (≈30GPa). This results in decrease of stress gradient on coating-substrate-bone interfaces during performance. The results of nano-scratch analysis show the highest critical distance of delamination (2.5mm) and normal load before failure (837mN) as well as highest critical contact pressure for hydroxyapatite-silicon-multi walled carbon nano-tubes coating. The cell culture results show that human mesenchymal stem cells are able to adhere and proliferate on the pure hydroxyapatite and composite coatings. The presence of both silicon and multi walled carbon nano-tubes (CS3) in the hydroxyapatite coating induce more adherence of viable human mesenchymal stem cells in contrast to the HA coated samples with only silicon (CS2). These results make hydroxyapatite-silicon-multi walled carbon nano-tubes a promising composite coating for future bone implant application.

Antibacterial activity of microstructured Ag/Au sacrificial anode thin films.

Ten different Ag dot arrays (16 to 625 microstructured dots per square mm) were fabricated on a continuous Au thin film and for comparison also on Ti film by sputter deposition and photolithographic patterning. To analyze the antibacterial activity of these microstructured films Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were placed onto the array surfaces and cultivated overnight. To analyze the viability of planktonic as well as surface adherent bacteria, the applied bacterial fluid was subsequently aspirated, plated on blood agar plates and adherent bacteria were detected by fluorescence microscopy. A particular antibacterial effect towards both bacterial strains was induced by Ag dot arrays on fabricated Au thin film (sacrificial anode system for Ag), due to the release of Ag ions from dissolution of Ag dots in contrast to Ag dot arrays fabricated on the Ti thin films (non-sacrificial anode system for Ag) which remained intact to the original dot shape. The required number of Ag dots on gold film to achieve complete bactericidal effects for both bacterial strains was seven times lower than that observed with Ag dot arrays on Ti film.