Potentiation of infections by biomaterials: a comparison of three materials.

Biomaterial implants frequently potentiate infections in patients, yet rarely have we considered the interactions between bacteria and biomaterials responsible for this. There is extensive literature concerning suture materials of various types and a few studies comparing porous and solid implants. We have developed a simple, relatively atraumatic model for comparing rates of infection surrounding a biomaterial implant in paired single animal observations. Statistically significant differences between silicone and fluorocarbon implants and between silicone and bioglass implants are demonstrated. The relatively greater rate of infection with silicones is consistent with a previous clinical study. The further use of this model for evaluation of material-surface interfacial effects is proposed.