Adherence to a metal, polymer and composite by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Verheyen, C C; Dhert, W J; de Blieck-Hogervorst, J M; van der Reijden, T J; Petit, P L; de Groot, K · Biomaterials · 1993

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Bacterial adherence on to several materials with a potential application in reconstructive surgery was studied. Polymer (poly(L-lactide)), composite (hydroxyapatite/poly(L-lactide)) and metal (316L stainless steel) were evaluated both as smooth and sandblasted specimens. All materials were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline, challenged with Staphylococcus aureus or S. epidermidis and evaluated for up to 24 h. S. aureus showed a preference for the metal and composite tested over the polymer used. For S. epidermidis no preference was found for one of the investigated materials. The influence of surface roughness on bacterial growth was demonstrated by increased colonization on the sandblasted specimens.

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