Silver nanoparticle deposited implants to treat osteomyelitis.

In this study, electrolytically deposited strongly adherent silver nanoparticles on stainless-steel (SS) implants were used for in situ osteomyelitis treatment. Samples were heat treated to enhance adhesion of silver on 316 L SS. Ex vivo studies were performed to measure silver-release profiles from the 316 L SS screws inserted in equine cadaver bones. No change in the release profiles of silver ions were observed in vitro between the implanted screws and the control. In vivo studies were performed using osteomyelitic rabbit model with 3 mm diameter silver-deposited 316 L SS pins at two different doses of silver: high and low. Infection control ability of the pins for treating osteomyelitis in a rabbit model was measured using bacteriologic, radiographic, histological, and scanning electron microscopic studies. Silver-coated pins, especially high dose, offered a promising result to treat infection in animal osteomyelitis model without any toxicity to major organs.