Osteoblasts win the race for the surface on DNA polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings against S. epidermidis but not against S. aureus.

Biomaterial-associated infections pose severe challenges in modern medicine. Previously, we reported that polyanionic DNA surface coatings repel bacterial adhesion and support osteoblast-like cell attachment in monoculture experiments, candidate for orthopaedic implant coatings. However, monocultures lack the influence of bacteria or bacterial toxins on osteoblast-like cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces.