Activation of antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Post-operative infection in joint prostheses is a problem due to adverse consequences such as surgical debridement or implant removal. Embodiments create a coating that can be powered to release microbicidal agents to both ensure the prevention of infections, and avoid the development of antibiotic resistance. Silver ions have been well established for antimicrobial characteristics, and thus make an advantageous implant coating. Reverse electrolysis allows the ions to be released for a sustained period of time, and then collected back onto to the implant to avoid silver poisoning. A wireless reverse electrolysis system releases a sufficient amount of silver ions to break down biofilm surrounding a joint implant. By applying a modulated current waveform that has a net negative value to a conducting copper strip, the mirror current induced on the silver coating surface has a net positive flow, allowing ions to be released into surrounding tissue. Using this method, an average silver concentration of 32 ppb is created in surrounding medium after 12 hours, sufficient to eradicate bacteria directly around the silver. The ability to wirelessly induce electrolysis of silver ions to kill a significant quantity of bacteria can be used in surgical procedures to avoid post-operative infection in joint prostheses.