To develop a new system for antibacterial coating of joint prosthesis and osteosynthesis material. The new coating system was designed to release gentamicin immediately after insertion to eradicate surgical contamination. Steel implants (2×15mm) were coated with a solid nanocomposite xerogel made from silica and the dendritic polymer, hyperbranched polyethyleneimine. The xerogel was anchored inside a porous surface made by pre-coating with titanium microspheres. Finally, gentamicin was encapsulated in the xerogel, i.e. no chemical binding. A total of 50 µg gentamicin was captured into each implant. The efficacy of the new coating was evaluated in a porcine model of implant associated osteomyelitis. In total, 30 female pigs were randomized into 3 study groups (n=10). Group A; plain implants + saline, Group B; plain implants + 104 CFU of Aim
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