DETERIORATION OF BIOMATERIALS.

Coordinator: Dra. Mónica F. L. de Mele

The aim of this research project is to study the deterioration of biomaterials in the biological environment and its effect on the human health. Innovative techniques to eradicate biofilms on biomaterials and on medical and odontological instruments and devices are being developed and assayed. The specific objects of this research are the following:
To study the biofilm formation at real time and without invasive treatments.
To evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial agents on the biofilms.
To investigate the deterioration and degradation of the biomaterials in the biological environment and its effect on its functionality and aesthetic.
To evaluate the effect of the metal ions, released from biomaterials, on biocompatibility.
Metallic biomaterials such as silver, chromium, copper, magnesium, titanium, nickel and their alloys, and stainless steel as well as non-metallic materials are used as substrata. Pure strains of microorganisms and consortia isolated from the infected areas are employed to study the biofilm development. Cytotoxicity studies with cell lines are also made.

Research Staff

María C. Cortizo, Carolina Diaz
María D. Pereda, Nathalie Arnal
Ana Laura De Virgilio, Claudia Grillo
Florencia Alvarez, Claudia Timberi

Selected publications in the frame of this project (2007 - 2008)

* “Influence of the nano-micro-structure of the surface on bacterial adhesion ”.
C. Diaz, M.C. Cortizo, P.L. Schilardi, S. Gomez de Saravia y M. Fernández Lorenzo de Mele
Materials Research 10, 5-10 (2007).

* “Magnesium and its alloys as degradable biomaterials. Corrosion studies using potentiodynamic and eis electrochemical techniques ”.
W-D. Mueller, M.L. Nascimento, M. Zeddies, M. Córsico, L. Gassa y M. Fernández Lorenzo de Mele
Materials Research 10(1), 5-10 (2007).

* “Nano/microscale Order Affects Early Stages of Biofilm Formation on Metal Surfaces ”.
C. Díaz, P.L. Schilardi, R.C. Salvarezza y M. Fernández Lorenzo de Mele
Langmuir 23, 11206-11210 (2007).

* “Relationship between radial diffusion of copper ions release form metal disk and cytotoxicity effects. Comparison with results obtained using extracts. Analysis of some apparently inconsistent results ”.
M.D. Pereda, M. Reigosa y M.F. Lorenzo de Mele
Bioelectrochemistry 72, 94-101 (2008).

* “Influence of the surface sub-micropattern on the adhesion of pioneer bacteria on metals ”.
C. Díaz, P. Schilardi y M.F.L. de Mele
Artificial Organs 32 (4), 292-298 (2008).

* “Biomaterial interface investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy Advanced ”.
M. Moisel, M.F.L. de Mele y W.-D. Müller
Engineering Materials 10, B33-B46 (2008).