Peptide hardens titanium, inhibits biofilm

Arch Biophysics scientists have inhibited biofilm formation on titanium using the company's proprietary peptide technology.

The attachment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced by more than 50% on titanium coated with Arch lead compounds ABP-0904 and ABP-0918, according to the company. These data are similar to previously disclosed results in which ABP-0904 and ABP-0918 were effective in inhibiting attachment of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans, P. aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes to stainless steel (Biomaterials, August 2011, Vol. 32:23, pp. 5311-5319).

ABP-0904 and ABP-0918 also increased titanium hardness by more than 50% compared with the uncoated metal. The company intends to pursue commercial development in the medical industry where biofilm formation on titanium, stainless steel, and other solid surfaces, such as dental implants, is a significant problem.