TY - JOUR
T1 - Antimicrobial and biocompatibility assessment of platinum-based metal alloy coatings for total joint arthroplasty
AU - van Hoogstraten, Sanne W.G.
AU - van Agtmaal, Julia L.
AU - Samijo, Steven K.
AU - Peeters, Laura C.W.
AU - van Maris, Marc P.F.H.L.
AU - Arts, Jacobus J.C.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors would like to acknowledge Roland Oostwegel (OS-1 B.V.) for manufacturing the sputter targets, B. Braun (Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany) for manufacturing the substrate materials, and Dr. Niko Eka Putra (Delft University of Technology), for performing ICP-OES measurements.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
PY - 2025/9/1
Y1 - 2025/9/1
N2 - Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication in orthopedic surgery, driven by bacterial biofilm formation on implant surfaces. With rising antimicrobial resistance, antibacterial coatings that do not rely on antibiotics are urgently needed. Platinum-based coatings offer exceptional chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability, making them potential candidates for articulating implant surfaces subjected to high friction. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of three platinum-based alloys: platinum-iridium (Pt[sbnd]Ir), platinum-zirconium (Pt[sbnd]Zr), and platinum-copper (Pt[sbnd]Cu). These alloys were sputter-coated onto titanium substrates, producing thin (~85 nm) and smooth (Ra ~24 nm) coatings. The composition of the coatings was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and ion release was quantified via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Cytotoxicity was assessed according to ISO 10993-5, using fibroblast viability assays, which confirmed biocompatibility. Antibacterial properties were evaluated by exposing the coatings to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inocula. After a 4-hour incubation period, adherent bacteria were quantified. The Pt[sbnd]Cu coating achieved a 1-log reduction in bacterial adherence, while Pt[sbnd]Ir and Pt[sbnd]Zr coatings displayed no significant antibacterial effects. Although the current Pt-based alloy coatings did not achieve the clinically required antibacterial effect, the findings provide insights into their potential. Enhancing the copper content in Pt[sbnd]Cu alloys could improve antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, incorporating other known antibacterial metals, such as silver or zinc, into Pt-based alloys and increasing their weight percentage in the coating could further enhance antibacterial properties.
AB - Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a challenging complication in orthopedic surgery, driven by bacterial biofilm formation on implant surfaces. With rising antimicrobial resistance, antibacterial coatings that do not rely on antibiotics are urgently needed. Platinum-based coatings offer exceptional chemical inertness, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability, making them potential candidates for articulating implant surfaces subjected to high friction. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of three platinum-based alloys: platinum-iridium (Pt[sbnd]Ir), platinum-zirconium (Pt[sbnd]Zr), and platinum-copper (Pt[sbnd]Cu). These alloys were sputter-coated onto titanium substrates, producing thin (~85 nm) and smooth (Ra ~24 nm) coatings. The composition of the coatings was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and ion release was quantified via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Cytotoxicity was assessed according to ISO 10993-5, using fibroblast viability assays, which confirmed biocompatibility. Antibacterial properties were evaluated by exposing the coatings to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inocula. After a 4-hour incubation period, adherent bacteria were quantified. The Pt[sbnd]Cu coating achieved a 1-log reduction in bacterial adherence, while Pt[sbnd]Ir and Pt[sbnd]Zr coatings displayed no significant antibacterial effects. Although the current Pt-based alloy coatings did not achieve the clinically required antibacterial effect, the findings provide insights into their potential. Enhancing the copper content in Pt[sbnd]Cu alloys could improve antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, incorporating other known antibacterial metals, such as silver or zinc, into Pt-based alloys and increasing their weight percentage in the coating could further enhance antibacterial properties.
KW - Anti-adhesion
KW - Antibacterial coating
KW - Biofilm
KW - Metal alloy
KW - PJI
KW - Platinum
U2 - 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2025.132281
DO - 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2025.132281
M3 - Article
SN - 0257-8972
VL - 511
JO - Surface and Coatings Technology
JF - Surface and Coatings Technology
M1 - 132281
ER -