A single coating with antibacterial properties for prevention of medical device-associated infections

Abstract Human bacterial pathogens found on medical implants are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality, making the development of novel coatings the primary strategy in the prevention of medical device-associated infections. Here, we describe organic-inorganic hybrid coatings for metallic bone implants, based on sol-gel materials of proven osteogenic capacity. The coatings were doped with two bactericides: octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT) and chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX). These bactericides, known for their efficiency, are widely used in the prevention and elimination of bacterial infections. The coatings have good chemical and mechanical properties, making them suitable for use on medical devices. They also demonstrate strong antibacterial capacity, dependent on the concentration of the bactericide. They are not toxic to human osteoblasts. Our results suggest this system as a tool for coating medical devices to prevent bacterial infections.