Perspective Chapter: Hydroxyapatite – Surface Functionalization to Prevent Bacterial Colonization

Microbial colonization is one of the main causes of implant loosening and rejection. Pathogenic contamination and the subsequent biofilm formation reduce the implant’s chance of survival and can be life-threatening to a patient. Among the many strategies employed to reduce the infection probability of bioceramics, surface functionalization plays a key role. This chapter is dedicated to describing the different strategies available to prevent bacterial colonization and the proliferation of hydroxyapatite-coated implants. Moreover, the factors intervening in the bacteria-implant interaction will be described, detailing the mechanisms involved during the contact, adhesion, and proliferation of bacteria. Finally, the characterization methods will be discussed, emphasizing the bioactivity and antibacterial assays.