Polyester artificial ligament modified with a polyphenol-zinc layer for controlled and targeted release of ciprofloxacin

• Polyphenol-zinc coating enables ciprofloxacin adsorption on PEAL. • Modified PEAL shows enhanced hydrophilicity and antioxidant properties. • Sustained CIPRO release over four hours ensures prolonged antibacterial effect. • Improved antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. • Cytotoxicity tests confirm biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications. Tendon and ligament injuries often necessitate surgical intervention with the use of artificial implants due to their complex nature and the difficulties associated with natural tissue regeneration. This study investigates a novel surface modification method for polyester artificial ligaments (PEAL) to enhance their antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility. A polyphenol-zinc layer was synthesized on PEAL using epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and zinc cations, which allowed for the adsorption of ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) to achieve prolonged antibacterial activity. Comprehensive analyses, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirmed the successful synthesis of the layer and the drug adsorption. The modified PEAL exhibited significant improvements in hydrophilicity, antioxidant capacity, and a sustained release of CIPRO over four hours. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated enhanced effectiveness against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus , with the highest inhibition rate observed for E. coli . Microbiological studies also demonstrated the ability of the modified PEAL to inhibit biofilm formation on their surface. Cytotoxicity studies indicated minimal toxicity for the modified samples, supporting their biocompatibility and potential for biomedical applications. Expression studies of inflammatory markers in two different cell lines showed no negative impact on the cellular inflammatory response. This innovative approach presents a promising solution for reducing infection risks and improving outcomes in the repair of the musculoskeletal system.