Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
References
present all play important roles in the outcome
of a bacterium encountering a biomaterial in the
human body.
Because of the many factors involved in bacterial
adhesion, a universal solution to prevent bacterial
adhesion while maintaining ideal biomaterial func-
tion is the ultimate goal of any implant. To this end,
changing the material topography and/or chemistry is
not sufficient as a single adherent and viable bacte-
rium can cause infection. Instead, active antimicro-
bial surfaces that kill adherent bacteria are required.
Due to the diversity of bacteria, a universal antimi-
crobial compound, which bacteria will not develop
resistance to, is not cytotoxic and is suitable for
biomaterial applications, is not yet available. Recent
research has explored the use of silver ions, fur-
anones, and quaternary ammonium compounds, but
few of these antimicrobial agents are currently used
with commercial biomaterials. The difficulty in
translational research is applying these antimicro-
bials in an effective way. Therefore, the following
should be considered: Will the antimicrobial agent
function effectively in the complex and variable
implant environment? Will incorporation of an anti-
microbial compound negatively affect biocompati-
bility? If an antimicrobial coating is used, will it
resist removal by the forces of implantation and use?
If an antimicrobial compound is released, can the
release profile be controlled appropriately? Will
the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds affect
the mechanical properties of the biomaterial? And
finally, is the end product practical for mass
manufacturing, possible to sterilize, likely to be
approved by the relevant regulatory boards and
economically viable?
The attractive properties of PEEK as a biomaterial
mean that this polymer will likely continue to be
used for many years to come. Additionally, the
advances in the application of PEEK may increase
the worldwide demand for this polymer. Like any
biomaterial, as knowledge progresses, PEEK
will evolve in both form and use. Therefore, it is
important to continue research into the relationship
between PEEK and bacterial adhesion. In the
immediate future, bacterial and tissue interactions
with unmodified PEEK need to be further investi-
gated and the use of antimicrobial compounds
in conjunction with PEEK should also be further
explored. Additionally, like any other biomaterial,
modifications to PEEK should be fully characterized
with reference to infection risk.
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