Magdalena Schlesak

 

Bioactive glass coated surgical sutures with antibacterial properties for tissue engineering and wound healing applications

Investigator: Magdalena Schlesak (Master Studentin)

Betreuer: Francesca Ciraldo, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

The aim of this research project is the development and characterization of bioactive glass based composite coatings with antibacterial capability for surgical sutures. In order to confer antibacterial properties, bioactive glasses with metallic ion release capability will be synthesized [1]. Surgical sutures will be coated by a dip coating technique. This study follows early studies by our group and collaborators on the application of Ag loaded bioactive glass coatings on sutures [2]. The samples will be characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical stability and chemical composition. Furthermore, antibacterial and bioactivity tests will be carried out.

[1] Hoppe, A., Mouriño, V., and Boccaccini, A. R., “Therapeutic inorganic ions in bioactive glasses to enhance bone formation and beyond.” Biomaterials Science 1 (2013): 254-256.

[2] Blaker, J. J., Nazhat, S. N., and Boccaccini, A. R., “Development and characterisation of silver-doped bioactive glass-coated sutures for tissue engineering and wound healing applications.” Biomaterials 25 (2004): 1319-1329.