Smart thin films for tunable loading and controlled release of antibiotics from nanoparticles

This research project is focussed on the development of antibacterial surface coatings that are able to release antibiotics in a controlled manner for prolonged period of time. For this purpose, antibiotics were pre-loaded in nanoparticles and designed to release slowly. Eventually, antibiotic loaded nanoparticles were incorporated into thin films that inhibited pre-mature burst release resulting in a slow, sustained and controlled release of antibiotic for approximately two months. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of developed system were maintained throughout the release period. Such antibacterial coating on the surface of implanted medical devices is expected to inhibit bacterial contamination/colonization thus will prevent indwelling device associated infections.