Work

Osteoblasts win the race for the surface on DNA polyelectrolyte multilayer coatings against S. epidermidis but not against S. aureus

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Biomaterial-associated infections pose severe challenges in modern medicine. Previously, we reported that polyanionic DNA surface coatings repel bacterial adhesion and support osteoblast-like cell attachment in monoculture experiments, candidate for orthopaedic implant coatings. However, monocultures lack the influence of bacteria or bacterial toxins on osteoblast-like cell adhesion to biomaterial surfaces. In this study, co-culture of staphylococcus ( S. epidermidis and S. aureus ) and SaOS-2 osteosarcoma cells was studied on chitosan-DNA polyelectrolyte multilayer coated glass based on the concept of `the race for the surface`. Staphylococcus was first deposited onto the surface in a microfluidic chamber to mimic peri-operative contamination, and subsequently, SaOS-2 cells were seeded. Both staphylococcus and SaOS-2 cells were cultured together on the surfaces for 24 h under flow. The presence of S. epidermidis decreased SaOS-2 cell number on all surfaces after 24 h. However, the cells that adhered spread equally well in the presence of low virulent S. epidermidis . However, highly virulent S. aureus induced cell death of all adherent SaOS-2 cells on chitosan-DNA multilayer coated glass, a worse outcome than on uncoated glass. The outcome of our co-culture study highlights the limitations of monoculture models. It demonstrates the need for in vitro co-culture assays to meaningfully bridge the gap in lab testing of biomaterials and their clinical evaluations where bacterial infection can occur. The relative failure of cell-adhesive and bacteria-repelling DNA coatings in co-cultures also suggests the need to incorporate bactericidal in addition to non-adhesive functions to protect competitive cell spreading over a long period. • Co-culture study outcomes on coatings differed from those in monoculture models. • Basic monoculture models provide false success prediction in biomaterial evaluation. • The dynamic interplay between biomaterials, host cells and bacteria drives BAI. • In vitro co-culture models that better reflect in vivo are needed in testing. • Biomaterial coatings demand multifunctionality to combat BAI.

Source: Colloids and Surfaces B Biointerfaces

DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114336

Authors: Carmelo Covato, Alina Pilipenco, Andrea Scheberl, Erik Reimhult, Guruprakash Subbiahdoss

Institutions: BOKU University, FZU - Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Polymer Surface Interaction Studies

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,680