Silver-enriched Microdomain Patterns as Advanced Bactericidal Coatings for Polymer-based Medical Devices

TL;DR

This study develops silver nanoparticle-doped microdomain patterns on PEEK surfaces using laser technology, creating antibacterial coatings that effectively combat common pathogens while assessing their safety for medical applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel laser-based method to create hexagonal AgNP-doped microdomains on PEEK, enhancing antibacterial properties for medical device coatings.

Findings

Effective antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

Quantified silver ion release and confirmed low cytotoxicity.

Established a new laser patterning technique for biomedical coatings.

Abstract

Today, it would be difficult for us to live a full life without polymers, especially in medicine, where its applicability is constantly expanding, giving satisfactory results without any harm effects on health. This study focused on the formation of hexagonal domains doped with AgNPs using a KrF excimer laser ({\lambda}=248 nm) on the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface that acts as an unfailing source of the antibacterial agent - silver. The hexagonal structure was formed with a grid placed in front of the incident laser beam. Surfaces with immobilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were observed by AFM and SEM. Changes in surface chemistry were studied by XPS. To determine the concentration of released Ag+ ions, ICP-MS analysis was used. The antibacterial tests proved the antibacterial efficacy of Ag-doped PEEK composites against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as the most common pathogens. Because AgNPs are also known for their strong toxicity, we also included cytotoxicity tests in this study. The findings presented here contribute to the advancement of materials design in the biomedical field, offering a novel starting point for combating bacterial infections through the innovative integration of AgNPs into inert synthetic polymers.