Intracellular bacterial eradication by a colloidal gel

This data collection comprises of all data from the thesis of Lizzy Cuypers:

Chapter 2 focused on the fabrication and characterization of HA NPs with an antibacterial ion. After screening 4 different ions on their antibacterial effect and cytocompatibility, zinc was chosen as ion of interest. Therefore ZnHA NPs with varying zinc concentrations (10, 15 and 20 mol%) were fabricated. The particles were characterized in terms of morphology (SEM), size and charge (DLA/ZETA), crystallinity and crystal/molecular structure (XRD, FTIR), zinc release, cytocompatibility and antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus.

Chapter 3 explored the cytotoxicity and internalization of ZnHA NPs and VGel NPs. First, the morphology (SEM), molecular structure (FTIR) and the size/charge (DLS/ZETA) of the NPs was explored. Then the cytocompatibility and internalization of the NPs by THP-1 derived macrophages. The study validated a co-culture model, comprising THP-1 macrophages and phagocytosed Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, by stainings and LIVE/DEAD assays. After validating he co-culture, it was used to measure the intracellular antibacterial effect of the NPs.

Chapter 4 focused on the fabrication and characterization of a colloidal gel comprising of ZnHA and VGel NPs. Various ratios (1:2, 1:1, 2:1) of ZnHA to VGel NPs were assessed for their rheological properties, extracellular antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility. Based on these results, a 1:1 ratio was selected for further investigation of the intracellular antibacterial effect using the co-culture model described in chapter 3.

Chapter 5 discussed the development of an implant-associated infection model in rats. Initially, a Kirschner wire (K-wire) model, derived from existing literature, was employed. Afterwards, a novel implant design, the screw-wire implant (SW implant), featuring a threaded connection on top that facilitated easier implantation and removal was mentioned. After confirming its biocompatibility, the SW implant was used in combination with Staphylococcus aureus.