Overview
Project status: In progress
Implant-related bone infections, especially after open fractures, remain one of the most feared complications in orthopaedic surgery. These infections are usually caused by microorganisms growing in biofilms. The treatment is difficult and multiple revision surgeries and long-term antibiotic therapy are frequently required. Systemic antibiotic application has been shown to be effective in most cases, but has its limitations due to the disturbed microcirculation at the interface of the tissue and the implant.
To overcome this problem, implant coatings for the local delivery of antibiotics are currently in development in order to prevent bacterial biofilm formation on the implant and to achieve sufficient antimicrobial drug concentrations locally.
- Research leader
- Organisational unit
- Lead unit Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation Other units
Dr Roland SteckDetails
SEM images of uncoated (left) and Teicoplanin coated (right) K-Wires after exposure to S. epidermidis demonstrating bacterial biofilm formation on uncoated wires and successful inhibition thereof on antibiotic coated wires.
Our group focuses on poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) coatings containing antibiotics (Gentamicin and Teicoplanin) which are fully degradable by hydrolysis after implantation into the body. We are currently determining the antibacterial and mechanical properties of biodegradable PDLLA coatings with integrated teicoplanin and retarding gentamicin in vitro. First data demonstrate these coatings dramatically reduce the number of colonies isolated after incubation with the Staphylococcal suspensions and that the coatings are mechanically stable against deformation of the implant and scratching during implantation.
