Electrospun borneol/PVP antibacterial coating for postoperative management of keratoprosthesis implantation

Keratoprosthesis (K-Pro) implantation and postoperative recovery often lead to severe ocular infections called keratoprosthesis-associated infections (KPAI). Antibiotics are commonly used; however, prolonged antibiotic use can lead to bacterial resistance and disrupt microbial balance in the eye. Borneol provides possibilities for developing antibiotic-independent antimicrobial K-Pro. Therefore, the development of an antibiotic-independent self-antimicrobial K-Pro is crucial for postoperative management. Herein, electrospinning technology was employed to fabricate a soluble borneol-based antibacterial coating on K-Pro surfaces for postoperative management of keratoprosthesis implantation. The modified K-Pro exhibited a distinctive nanofibrous morphology (100% borneol release ratio within 125 min), surface antibacterial properties (Escherichia coli: 2%, Staphylococcus aureus: 6%), biocompatibility, and negligible cytotoxicity towards epithelial cells. This study aimed to explore the potential application of camphor-based electrospun coatings in the field of K-Pro infection resistance, thereby providing novel strategies and material foundations for the effective postoperative management of KPAI.