Supramolecular hydrogel-infiltrated ceramics composite coating with combined antibacterial and self-lubricating performance

J Mater Chem B. 2021 Dec 15;9(48):9852-9862. doi: 10.1039/d1tb01830b.

Abstract

Inspired by the structure and dynamic weeping lubricating mechanism of articular cartilage, a novel composite coating composed of a textured Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) ceramics reservoir and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) hybrid supramolecular hydrogel was developed on the basis of a soft/hard combination strategy. The precursor solution including the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified AgNPs and α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs) could be infiltrated deep into (50-60 μm) the pores of a textured YSZ ceramics substrate by a vacuum infiltration method, in situ forming a supramolecular hydrogel within the pores through host-guest inclusion between α-CDs and PEG chains distributed onto the surface of AgNPs. The AgNPs hybrid hydrogel showed thixotropic and thermoresponsive gel-sol transition behavior, low cytotoxicity, and excellent drug-loading capacity, as well as significant antibacterial properties. The textured YSZ ceramics not only provided a hard supporting skeleton and stable reservoir to protect the supramolecular hydrogel from destruction under load-bearing or shear condition, but also allowed retaining the stimuli-responsive gel-sol transition property and drug-release capability of the infiltrated hydrogel, endowing the composite coating with excellent antibacterial properties, and self-lubrication and wear-resistance performance. The composite coating in this work brings a new insight into the design of antibacterial and self-lubricating ceramic coatings for artificial joint applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Ceramics / chemical synthesis
  • Ceramics / chemistry
  • Ceramics / pharmacology*
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Hydrogels / chemical synthesis
  • Hydrogels / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemical synthesis
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Macromolecular Substances / pharmacology
  • Materials Testing
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Particle Size
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Hydrogels
  • Macromolecular Substances