In vivo comparative study of tissue reaction to bare and antimicrobial polymer coated transcutaneous implants.

We coated transcutaneous implants made of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V with copolymer dimethyl (2-methacryloyloxy-ethyl) phosphonate and 4-vinylpyridine and investigated the tissue reaction with respect to its biocompatible and antimicrobial properties in vivo. We distinguished between clinically observable superficial inflammations and histologically detectable deep infections. The vinylpyridine moieties were transferred into cationic pyridinium groups by reaction with hexyl bromide.

Antimicrobial surface coatings for a permanent percutaneous passage in the concept of osseointegrated extremity prosthesis.

The clinical implementation of percutaneous implants is still limited owing to infections at the side of the stoma. In our concept, this issue is addressed by designing copolymer surface coatings possessing biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity to improve the maintenance of a physiological skin seal at the skin-implant interface. Different copolymers with surface-active phosphonate and antimicrobial cationic groups were designed.

Self-assembled antimicrobial and biocompatible copolymer films on titanium.

Copolymers of 4-vinyl-N-hexylpyridinium bromide and dimethyl(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) phosphonate self-assemble to form ultrathin layers on titanium surfaces that show antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. The copolymer layers are characterized by contact angle measurements, ellipsometry and XPS. Antibacterial activity is assessed by investigation of adherence of S.