2026-04-13T01:59:23Zhttps://recercat.cat/oai/request

oai:recercat.cat:2117/3742572026-02-09T05:58:18Zcom_2072_1033col_2072_452950

00925njm 22002777a 4500 dc Bernaus, Martí author Guillem Martí, Jordi author Calero, José Antonio author Torres Garrido, Diego author Bermúdez Castel, Adrian author Veloso, Margarita author Font Vizcarra, Lluís author 2022-06-18 BACKGROUND Orthopedic implant-related infection remains one of the most serious complications after orthopedic surgery. In recent years, there has been an increased scientific interest to improve prevention and treatment strategies. However, many of these strategies have focused on chemical measures. AIM To analyze the effect of alternating current electrical fields on bacterial adherence to titanium surfaces. METHODS Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were exposed to 6.5 V electrical currents at different frequencies: 0.5 Hz, 0.1 Hz, and 0.05 Hz. After exposure, a bacterial count was then performed and compared to the control model. Other variables registered included the presence of electrocoagulation of the medium, electrode oxidation and/or corrosion, and changes in pH of the medium. RESULTS The most effective electrical model for reducing S. aureus adhesion was 6.5 V alternating current at 0.05 Hz achieving a 90% adhesion reduction rate. For E. coli, the 0.05 Hz frequency model also showed the most effective results with a 53% adhesion reduction rate, although these were significantly lower than S. aureus. Notable adhesion reduction rates were observed for S. aureus and E.coli in the studied conditions. However, the presence of electrode oxidation makes us presume these conditions are not optimal for in vivo use. CONCLUSION Although our findings suggest electrical currents may be useful in preventing bacterial adhesion to metal surfaces, further research using other electrical conditions must be examined to consider their use for in vivo trials. Peer Reviewed Postprint (published version) Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ciències de la salut::Medicina::Ortopèdia Orthopedic implants Orthopedic surgery Biomedical engineering Electrical fields Bacterial adhesion Orthopedic infection Titanium Metal surfaces Pròtesis ortopèdiques Cirurgia ortopèdica Enginyeria biomèdica Reducing bacterial adhesion to titanium surfaces using low intensity alternating electrical pulses