Autonomous sequential release systems

Even after supposedly successful therapy of implant-associated infections, defects often remain in the soft and especially in the hard tissue, as the regenerative capacity of the human body is limited. Bacteria and bacterial biofilms can survive shielded in these niches and lead to a recurrence of the infection. A novel treatment approach to address this problem is implants equipped with an autonomous sequential release system that releases antibacterial drugs and regenerative agents in a timed sequence. These implants recognize an incipient infection at an early stage, can fight it effectively on their own and additionally support the adjacent tissue in its regeneration without the need for external intervention. These systems are being produced in subproject B05 on the basis of pole electrolyte multilayers on the one hand and by combining etched nanopores equipped with a responsive coating on the other.

In this project, advanced in vitro and in vivo models are used to evaluate the newly developed autonomous sequential drug release systems. In parallel to the development of the sequential release systems, an in vivo infection and regeneration model is being developed that allows repeated quantitative observation of infection control and onset of regeneration for the first time. This new model is used for the evaluation and further development of different variants of autonomous sequential release systems and is to be adapted for other organ and implant systems in the future.