Bacterial biofilms are complex communities of bacteria that can accumulate on artificial surfaces in the body, such as implant surfaces. The resulting implant-associated infections can cause serious complications in various medical disciplines. Therefore, new implant surfaces must be researched that specifically counteract biofilm formation.
In subproject B01, the aim is to develop intelligent implant-associated sensor-actuator systems that detect the colonization of the implant surface with pathogenic biofilms and subsequently release antimicrobial agents autonomously. In addition to effective infection control, this targeted drug release – exclusively in the presence of pathogenic biofilms -has the advantage of a prolonged availability of active substance depots and reduced side effects
For the development of such autonomously reacting systems, chemical systems are being established in which the presence of certain triggers causes a release of antibacterial agents from an implant coating. In addition, cellular systems as well as a combination of chemical and cellular systems are being explored in which cellular systems produce antibacterial proteins and triggers for the targeted activation of acellular drug depots, respectively.
To evaluate and fine-tune such sophisticated sensor-actuator systems comprehensive model systems are needed. In subproject B01, the first 3D model ever described in the literature (INTERbACT) was developed, which enables the investigation of interactions between implant surfaces, bacterial biofilms and various human cells already under experimental conditions. The research and development of sensor-actuator systems in this research network will in the future sustainably improve the long-term prognosis and safety of medical implants.