Antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the promising structural materials in dentistry. Given the high risk of colonization of prostheses by opportunistic microflora, an assessment of biofilm formation on the surface of the material is necessary. The purpose of the study is to assess the biofilm formation of S. aureus on the surface of PEEK, as well as to assess the antibacterial properties of the material during air contamination.
Materials and methods.
To form biofilms, a suspension of microorganisms in broth with a concentration of 1.5·108 CFU/ml was used with an exposure of 24 hours; biofilm formation was determined with a photocolorimeter (540 nm). For airborne contamination, samples were placed in a nonsterile room for 1 hour, then imprinted onto agar, washed, and plated on sterile agar medium. The thermoplastic polymer with a linear structure, polystyrene, was chosen as a material for comparison.
Results.
The ability to form biofilms was assessed with OD control = 0.47 and OD test sample = 0.19. PEEK samples, in comparison with control samples, demonstrate an inability to form biofilms on their surface. In case of air contamination, no colonies of microorganisms were detected on the PEEK print; 1.3±0.4 CFU were detected on the surface of the control sample. 16.6±2.8 CFU were detected in the PEEK washout versus 60.2±8.6 CFU in the washout of the comparison sample, which is 26.3% of the control number of colonies on the Petri dish.
Conclusion.
The PEEK polymer material is resistant to contamination by S. aureus cell cultures in comparison with the control polymer material.