Bacterial colonisation of bioceramic surfaces

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HAp – Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP – Ca₃(PO₄)₂) are bioceramic materials of special interest with regards to bone surgery, in particular the repair of bone tissue defects. These materials are highly biocompatible with bone and soft tissue; they are bioactive, osteoconductive and resistant to sterilisation processes. In comparison with other biomaterials, particularly metallic materials, bioceramic surfaces exhibit high resistance to bacterial colonisation. This is currently considered to be one of the most important issues concerning materials used in medicine, due to the fact that bacterial biofilm is difficult to combat or remove and can be responsible for recurrent infections.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate bacterial colonisation on the surface of different calcium phosphate based materials.