Anti-Microbial Silver-Doped Stainless Steel Implants/Nails

Abstract

For many years silver has been used as a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, applied towards reducing infections of burn victims, water treatment, treating textiles, among others. With an increasing amount of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the utility of silver coatings and treatments are again being recognized as a cost- effective way to prevent bacterial infections such as for medical implants. This is especially crucial when surgeries are performed in environments where sanitation is not ensured.

This WSU invention relates to the use of silver coatings on medical implants as a valuable addition to promote antimicrobial properties such as resistance to growth of Gram negative bacteria (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa). In an effort to optimize antimicrobial effectiveness and keep human cell-toxicity to a minimum, WSU inventors have experimented with various coating parameters and observed their effects on the utility of silver coating on SIGN stainless steel implants.

Applications and Advantages

Silver deposited implants offer to reduce growth of infection due to biofilm formation and aid fracture healing.

IP Status 

US patent application pending