Materials used in ossicular replacement prostheses must possess appropriate biological properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, no cytotoxicity. Due to the risk of infection (otitis media and chronic otitis media), it is desirable to use an antibacterial agent for illness prevention during the ossicular reconstruction. The goal of this work was to observe biological properties of a new composite prosthesis made of ABS containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs 45T). Samples for biological tests and then a prototype of middle ear prosthesis were prepared using injection moulding and extrusion techniques. In vitro experiments were carried out to assess bactericidal efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomona aeruginosa standard strains, cell proliferation, viability and cytotoxicity, using Hs680.Tr. fibroblast cells. Surface parameters of the samples were evaluated, including roughness and wettability. The silver ions were continually released from the polymer in aqueous solution. The silver ions release was measured as increasing with time and concentration of the silver nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. No cytotoxicity effect was observed, while bactericidal efficacy was noticed for silver nanoparticles. The roughness studies showed an increase in roughness for the samples with silver nanoparticles. All polymer and composite materials containing silver nanoparticles showed hydrophilic properties. The composites were found to release silver ions at a concentration level capable of rendering the antimicrobial efficacy even with the lowest concentration of silver nanoparticles in the material. Our results demonstrate that middle ear prosthesis made of polymer and silver nanoparticles may eliminate bacteria during inflammation in the middle ear.
Keywords: bactericidal efficacy; cytotoxicity; middle ear prosthesis; ossicular reconstruction.