Bisphenol A glycidylmethacrylate (BisGMA)/triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) thermosets are biomaterials commonly employed for orthopedic and dental applications; for both these fields, bacterial adhesion to the surface of the implant represents a major issue for the outcome of the surgical procedures. In this study, the antimicrobial properties of a nanocomposite coating formed by polysaccharide 1-deoxylactit-1-yl chitosan (Chitlac) and silver nanoparticles (nAg) on methacrylate thermosets were studied. The Chitlac–nAg system showed good anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity although its biocidal properties can be moderately, albeit significantly, inhibited by serum proteins. In vitro studies on the silver release kinetic in physiological conditions showed a steady metal release associated with a gradual loss of antimicrobial activity. However, after 3 weeks there was still effective protection against bacterial colonization which could be accounted for by the residual silver. This time-span could be considered adequate to confer short-term protection from early peri-implant infections. Preliminary in vivo tests in a mini-pig animal model showed good biological compatibility of Chitlac–nAg-coated materials when implanted in bony tissue. The comparison was made with implants of titanium Ti6Al4V alloy and with a Chitlac-coated thermoset. Bone healing patterns and biocompatibility parameters observed for nAg-treated material were comparable with those observed for control implants.
