Research on the use of innovative methods of combating bacterial biofilms on polymer implantation materials
Project manager: Kamil Drożdż, M.A
Implementation period: 2022 - 2023
Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine, but at the same time they have significantly increased the risk of peri-implant infections. One of the most commonly used polymeric materials used for the production of biomaterials are polyurethanes. The introduction of implant material into the body stimulates a cascade of reactions around the foreign body. Therefore, the biomaterial should be biocompatible so as not to cause acute or chronic reactions. Biocompatibility, depending on where the implant is used, as it may mean good integration with the host tissue (e.g. orthopedic implants) or no integration (e.g. cannulae). Biomaterials, depending on the length of their use, may be long-term (e.g. endoprostheses) or short-term (e.g. tracheostomy tubes). Short-term biomaterials can be replaced cyclically, i.e. used within 24 hours to several weeks and then replaced.
The surfaces of biomaterials also enable the adhesion of bacteria, which may lead to the formation of a biofilm. Adhesion of microorganisms opens the way to colonization of the implant and is the first stage of infection associated with biomaterials. Pathogens form microcolonies on the surface of the biomaterial and produce a biofilm, which makes bacteria less sensitive to antibiotics, antiseptics and the human body's defense mechanisms.
The aim of the project is to assess the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of modified polyurethane surfaces by introducing functional groups on their surfaces. In addition, the ability of bacteria to form a biofilm and the expression of genes responsible for the early stages of biofilm formation will be assessed. Representative strains of Gam-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and Gam-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacteria were selected for the study, which often cause infections in patients after medical procedures and have a high ability to form biofilm.
The effect of the project will be the selection of an optimal surface modification that will combine bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal properties and maintain the biocompatibility of the material with the host tissues.