Macrophage phagocytic activity toward adhering staphylococci on cationic and patterned hydrogel coatings versus common biomaterials

Joana F. Da Silva Domingues, Steven Roest, Yi Wang, Henny C. Van Der Mei, Matthew Libera, Theo G. Van Kooten, Henk J. Busscher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biomaterial-associated-infection causes failure of biomaterial implants. Many new biomaterials have been evaluated for their ability to inhibit bacterial colonization and stimulate tissue-cell-integration, but neglect the role of immune cells. This paper compares macrophage phagocytosis of adhering Staphylococcus aureus on cationic-coatings and patterned poly(ethylene)glycol-hydrogels versus common biomaterials and stainless steel in order to identify surface conditions that promote clearance of adhering bacteria. Staphylococci were allowed to adhere and grow on the materials in a parallel-plate-flow-chamber, after which murine macrophages were introduced. From the decrease in the number of adhering staphylococci, phagocytosis-rates were calculated, and total macrophage displacements during an experiment determined. Hydrophilic surfaces had the lowest phagocytosis-rates, while common biomaterials had intermediate phagocytosis-rates. Patterning of poly(ethylene)glycol-hydrogel coatings increased phagocytosis-rates to the level of common biomaterials, while on cationic-coatings phagocytosis-rates remained relatively low. Likely, phagocytosis-rates on cationic coatings are hampered relative to common biomaterials through strong electrostatic binding of negatively-charged macrophages and staphylococci. On polymeric biomaterials and glass, phagocytosis-rates increased with macrophage displacement, while both parameters increased with biomaterial surface hydrophobicity. Thus hydrophobicity is a necessary surface condition for effective phagocytosis. Concluding, next-generation biomaterials should account for surface effects on phagocytosis in order to enhance the ability of these materials to resist biomaterial-associated-infection.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
JournalActa Biomaterialia
Volume18
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2015

Keywords

  • Biomaterial-associated infection
  • Cationic coatings
  • Phagocytosis
  • Poly(ethylene)glycol coatings
  • Water contact angles

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