A novel zwitterionic bioceramic with dual antibacterial capability

C CP/MAS solid state NMR. The homogeneous distribution of this zwitterionic pairs agrees with the results derived from STEM-EDS studies. ζ-Potential measurements indicate that the zwitterionic nature of this material is preserved at the physiological pH of 7.4. In vitro bacterial assays using S. aureus demonstrate that the zwitterionic material is capable of inhibiting 99.9% of the bacterial adhesion compared to pure silica SBA-15. Moreover, cephalexin loading and delivery assays indicate that the zwitterionic sample is capable of releasing antibiotic molecules over long time periods. This dual antibacterial capability, i.e. antibiofouling and bactericidal, opens up promising expectations for the treatment of bone implant infections.