Copper as an alternative antimicrobial coating for implants - An study.

Aim: To investigate osteoconductive and antimicrobial properties of a titanium-copper-nitride (TiCuN) film and an additional BONIT coating on titanium substrates.

Methods: For micro-structuring, the surface of titanium test samples was modified by titanium plasma spray (TPS). On the TPS-coated samples, the TiCuN layer was deposited by physical vapor deposition.

A model of implant-associated infection in the tibial metaphysis of rats.

Objective: Implant-associated infections remain serious complications in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. A main scientific focus has thus been drawn to the development of anti-infective implant coatings. Animal models of implant-associated infections are considered helpful in the in vivo testing of new anti-infective implant coatings.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on bacterial growth on human ossicles explanted from cholesteatoma patients.

Background: High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment can eliminate cholesteatoma cells from explanted human ossicles prior to re-insertion. We analyzed the effects of HHP treatment on the microbial flora on ossicles and on the planktonic and biofilm states of selected isolates.

Methodology: Twenty-six ossicles were explanted from cholesteatoma patients.