ORCID

Abstract

Orthopedic implant-associated infections (IAIs), predominantly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, represent a major clinical challenge due to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, which together contribute to their chronic nature. This research presents a biogenic biofilm-resistant chitosan encapsulated Cu/ZnO nanocoating (CS-Cu/ZnO NC) synthesized using Euphorbia thymofolia metabolites and applied on orthopedic implant surface (Tubular bone locked stainless steel plates). The synthesized CS-Cu/ZnO NCs were characterized physicochemically (UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM) and biologically (antibacterial, antibiofilm, antivirulence, hemolysis and cytotoxicity). Microstructural analysis using UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful synthesis, crystallinity and integration of Cu/ZnO into the chitosan matrix. SEM confirmed that a thin uniform coating was formed by the layer-by-layer method compared to the conventional dip coating method. CS-Cu/ZnO NCs at MIC level (4 µg/mL) reduced virulence traits of MDR P. aeruginosa, such as motility behavior, pyocyanin production, and biofilm production by 90%, which is important for pathogenicity. These coatings demonstrated remarkable antibacterial efficacy (34 ± 1 mm), achieving a 90% reduction in P. aeruginosa populations within 4 h with 5% of Cu/ZnO NCs while exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity (< 5%) on osteoblast cell lines at the concentration range (6–10 µg/mL). Additionally, this coating stops the adhesion of P. aeruginosa biofilms on implant surfaces due to the adhesive and antimicrobial properties of chitosan and Cu/ZnO. This study demonstrates the potential of biogenic CS-Cu/ZnO NCs nanocoatings as an antibiofilm surface engineering strategy to address current limitations in preventing MDR biofilm-associated orthopedic implant infections.

Keywords

Antibiofilm surfaces, Cu/ZnO, Nanocoating, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Publication Date

2026-01-01

Publication Title

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal

Volume

34

Issue

4

ISSN

1319-0164

Deposit Date

2026-09-04

Funding

The authors are particularly grateful to the International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan, for providing resources for this work through the seed grant project under grant number IIUI/ORIC/RCSG/2023. The authors extend their appreciation to the CAEPE IIUI for technical support in SEM characterization.

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