The effects of blood conditioning films on the antimicrobial and retention properties of zirconium-nitride silver surfaces

[Display omitted] •Zirconium nitride/silver (Ti-ZrN/Ag) coatings were characterized.•The conditioning film altered the width of the microtopography of the surfaces.•The conditioning film also changed the coatings from hydrophobic to hydrophilic.•The blood conditioning film reduced the antimicrobial efficacy of the coatings.•The conditioning film may result in surfaces with anti-adhesive properties. External bone fixation devices provide support and rehabilitation for severely damaged/broken bones, however, this invasive procedure is prone to infection. Zirconium nitride/silver (Ti-ZrN/Ag) coatings were characterised for surface topography, chemical composition, physicochemistry and antimicrobial efficacy (against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), in the presence of a blood conditioning film. The conditioning film altered the width of the microtopography of the surfaces however, the depth of the features remained relatively constant. The conditioning film also altered the coatings from hydrophobic to hydrophilic/partially hydrophilic surfaces. Following the MATH assay, the presence of a conditioning film reduced affinity towards the hydrocarbons for both microorganisms. The addition of a blood conditioning film reduced the antimicrobial efficacy of the Ti-ZrN/Ag coatings but also reduced the number of retained bacteria. This study suggests that the presence of a pre-defined blood conditioning film may result in surfaces with anti-adhesive properties, potentially leading to a reduction in bacterial retention. This, combined with the antimicrobial efficacy of the coatings, could reduce the risk of infection on biomaterial surfaces.