Synthesis of Novel Antimicrobial CHX-CaCl[sub.2] Coatings on Maxillofacial Fixatures for Infection Prevention

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2023-06, Vol.24 (12)
• Main Authors: Alostath, Hawraa F, Chatzopoulou, Domniki, Holmes, Simon, Gould, David, Sukhorukov, Gleb, Cattell, Michael J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibacterial agents; Health aspects; Infection; Infection control; Resveratrol
• ISSN: 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129801

Maxillofacial surgery placement of fixatures (Leonard Buttons, LB) at close proximity to surgical incisions provides a potential reservoir as a secondary local factor to advanced periodontal disease, with bacterial formation around failed fixatures implicating plaque. To address infection rates, we aimed to surface coat LB and Titanium (Ti) discs using a novel form of chlorhexidine (CHX), CHX-CaCl[sub.2] and 0.2% CHX digluconate mouthwash as a comparison. CHX-CaCl[sub.2] coated, double-coated and mouthwash coated LB and Ti discs were transferred to 1 mL artificial saliva (AS) at specified time points, and UV-Visible spectroscopy (254 nm) was used to measure CHX release. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured using collected aliquots against bacterial strains. Specimens were characterized using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). SEM displayed copious dendritic crystals on LB/ Ti disc surfaces. Drug release from double-coated CHX-CaCl[sub.2] was 14 days (Ti discs) and 6 days (LB) above MIC, compared to the comparison group (20 min). The ZOI for the CHX-CaCl[sub.2] coated groups was significantly different within groups (p < 0.05). CHX-CaCl[sub.2] surface crystallization is a new drug technology for controlled and sustained CHX release; its antibacterial effectiveness makes this drug an ideal adjunct following clinical and surgical procedures to maintain oral hygiene and prevent surgical site infections.