One of the most challenging problems related to implanted medical devices is the high prevalence of microbial infections. Previous studies showed that implant-related infections are often caused by biofilm forming microbes. In contrast to infections caused by free-floating microbes, biofilms generally increase the tolerance to antimicrobials and increase the risk for antimicrobial resistance development.
The TRA-COAT project aims to address the incidence of implant infections by developing a novel, resistance-proof antimicrobial coating with innovative functionalities, including antibiofilm activity and triggered on-demand release of classic antimicrobials. The focus will be on orthopaedic trauma implants and vascular grafts, but can later be extended to other implants.
The coating will combine a covalently bonded biofilm inhibitor and a reversibly bonded classic antimicrobial. The action of the inhibitor will reduce the slimy matrix production during biofilm formation which will allow the immune system to better remove the microorganisms. If biofilm should still remain, growth of the bacteria on the surface will locally trigger release of the antimicrobial, killing the pathogens.
The coating is designed to be resistance-proof. Indeed, the biofilm inhibitors are intrinsically robust to resistance and will enhance the effectivity of the classic antimicrobial. The local and time-restricted release of the antimicrobial will reduce the risk of resistance development and benefit the patient.
Project partners
- Hans Steenackers, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (Coordinator)
- Stephan Zeiter, AO research institute, Switzerland
- Annette Moter, Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Germany
