Synthesis and characterization of polyether urethane coatings for preventing implant infection

Abstract

The common complication associated with implants is microbial infection due to biofilm formation. Among bacterial infections Staphlyococcus aureus remains a major challenge. This threat posed by implant associated infection affects a large percentage of population. One of the strategies to combat this risk is to coat the implant surface with polymers loaded with antibiotics. The antibiotics release at implantation site will prevent microbial infection. We have synthesized polyether urethane membrane using biocompatible isocyanate. Synthesis of the polyether urethane membrane was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The membranes were further characterized by X-ray diffraction, swelling study (in water, simulated body fluid, tetrahydrofuran), drug release study, and antibiotic assay. Information of swelling study is used for drug loading and explanation of drug release from the membranes. We have used antibiotics for drug release study as they find application to combat infections. From the results, it was observed that antibiotic-loaded implant coatings may find application for preventing implant infection.

Keywords:

• swelling property
• drug release
• antibiotic assay
• biofilm

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Erratum

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to acknowledge Prof. Amit Dutta of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, for supporting the work of UV–vis studies. This work has been supported by The Institution of Engineers (India), 8 Gokhale Road, Kolkata-700020 under R&D Grant-in-Aid Scheme 2012–2013.