Long-term release of antibiotics by carbon nanotube-coated titanium alloy surfaces diminish biofilm formation by Staphylococcus epidermidis

Rough TiAl6V4 titanium alloy surfaces covered homogenously with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be effectively loaded with antibiotics by means of capillary forces. Here, very low concentrations of Rifampicin caused notable inhibition zones and suppression of S. epidermidis biofilm formation even after 5 days, suggesting a slow release of the antibiotic agent. This promising finding can be helpful to design prosthetic implant devices with antibacterial properties, yet allowing for attachment and survival of host cells such as osteoblasts. Thus, initial healing after surgery can be promoted and the incidence of harmful prosthetic joint infection may be reduced.340