Antimicrobial and bone-forming activity of a copper coated implant in a rabbit model

Current strategies in implant technology are directed to generate bioactive implants that are capable to activate the regenerative potential of the surrounding tissue. On the other hand, implant-related infections are a common problem in orthopaedic trauma patients. To meet both challenges, i.e. to generate a bone implant with regenerative and antimicrobial characteristics, we tested the use of copper coated nails for surgical fixation in a rabbit model. Copper acetate was galvanically deposited with a copper load of 1 µg/mm2 onto a porous oxide layer of Ti6Al4V nails, which were used for the fixation of a tibia fracture, inoculated with bacteria. After implantation of the nail the concentration of copper ions did not increase in blood which indicates that copper released from the implant was locally restricted to the fracture site. After four weeks, analyses of the extracted implants revealed a distinct antimicrobial effect of copper, because copper completely prevented both a weak adhesion and firm atta...