Toward Medical Implants With An Antibiotic Coating

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Biology / Biochemistry;  Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 25 Jan 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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The search for ways to protect polymer-based medical implants -- used in devices ranging from contact lenses to artificial hearts, as well as surgical devices and operating room equipment -- from bacterial infections has led scientists in Mississippi to develop a penicillin-coated version of a key polymer biomaterial.

In a report scheduled for the Feb. 12 edition of ACS' Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal, Marek W. Urban and colleagues describe a new way to modify expanded poly(tetrafluorethylene), or ePTFE, so that penicillin adheres to its surface and remains highly effective. This polymer is used in medical procedures ranging from vascular grafting to plastic and reconstructive surgery. In laboratory experiments, the researchers also demonstrated that the penicillin-coated surfaces showed highly effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which causes many serious human infections.

The researchers believe this is the first study to report such activity. "This approach may serve as a general surface modification process for the development of polymeric surfaces with anti-microbial properties," their report states.

ARTICLE #4
"Antibacterial Surfaces on Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene; Penicillin Attachment"

CONTACT:

Marek W. Urban, Ph.D.
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi

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ACS News Service Weekly PressPac -- Jan. 17, 2007

The American Chemical Society -- the world's largest scientific society -- is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Contact: Michael Woods
American Chemical Society

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