Enhanced and Stem-Cell-Compatible Effects of Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Nanotopography and Antimicrobial Peptides to Combat Implant-Associated Infection

[Image: see text] Nature-inspired antimicrobial surfaces and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising strategies to combat implant-associated infections. In this study, a bioinspired antimicrobial peptide was functionalized onto a nanospike (NS) surface by physical adsorption with the aim that its gradual release into the local environment would enhance inhibition of bacterial growth. Peptide adsorbed on a control flat surface exhibited different release kinetics compared to the nanotopography, but both surfaces showed excellent antibacterial properties. Functionalization with peptide at micromolar concentrations inhibited Escherichia coli growth on the flat surface, Staphylococcus aureus growth on the NS surface, and Staphylococcus epidermidis growth on both the flat and NS surfaces. Based on these data, we propose an enhanced antibacterial mechanism whereby AMPs can render bacterial cell membranes more susceptible to nanospikes, and the membrane deformation induced by nanospikes can increase the surface area for AMPs membrane insertion. Combined, these effects enhance bactericidal activity. Since functionalized nanostructures are highly biocompatible with stem cells, they make promising candidates for next generation antibacterial implant surfaces.