Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER) have developed an innovative surgical implant that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of complex bone infections. This implant not only speeds up bone healing but also reduces the risk of infections without the use of traditional antibiotics.
The study, published in the journal Advanced Materials, addresses the challenging problem of bone infection, also known as osteomyelitis. This condition affects approximately one in 5,000 people in the US each year. Existing clinical treatments, which involve weeks of antibiotic therapy and frequently necessitate the removal of infected bone tissue, can be lengthy and insufficient.
Around half of all bone infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, and prolonged use of antibiotics increases the likelihood of infections becoming tolerant to available treatments. This makes infections more difficult to manage effectively.
To address these challenges and facilitate optimal healing, the team at RCSI developed an implant made from a substance similar to human bones. The scaffold-like structure of this material promotes bone regrowth when implanted in injured or diseased bones.
In this particular study, the researchers incorporated tiny copper nanoparticles into the scaffold. Copper has well-known antimicrobial properties and can help kill the bacteria responsible for most bone infections. Additionally, the scaffold was infused with a specific genetic molecule, an inhibitor of microRNA-138, which stimulates the formation of new bone at the site of implantation.
The team observed in preclinical laboratory tests that the scaffolds containing copper nanoparticles and microRNA promoted bone regrowth within two weeks. Furthermore, the implant prevented 80% of potentially harmful bacteria from attaching to the site. The researchers also noticed that the implants stimulated the growth of blood vessels in the vicinity, which is crucial for the viability and overall health of the newly formed bone.
Dr. Joanna Sadowska, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at RCSI’s Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG) and the first author of the study, explained that the combination of antimicrobial implants and gene therapies represents a holistic system capable of repairing bone and preventing infection. She believes that this approach signifies a significant advancement in the treatment of complex bone injuries and could potentially revolutionize treatment times for patients in the future.
Professor Fergal O’Brien, a Professor of Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine at RCSI and the Principal Investigator of the study, highlighted the benefits of the implant. The implant delivers targeted antimicrobial treatment directly to the infected bone, reducing the need for long-term antibiotics that expose more of the body to these medications. Moreover, the incorporation of copper particles in the implant prevents bacteria from establishing an infection at the site and promotes the formation of blood vessels in the bone. Additionally, the nature of the implant allows it to naturally degrade as the bone heals, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
Professor O’Brien, who is also the Deputy Director of AMBER, believes that this implant represents an important step towards precise and effective treatment of injured and diseased bones through targeted delivery methods. He described the implant as a first-of-its-kind innovation that combines different solutions to encourage bone regrowth and address infections. The study marks a crucial milestone in bringing this implant closer to patients for faster and more efficient treatment.
In conclusion, the development of this advanced surgical implant offers tremendous potential in the treatment of complex bone infections. By accelerating bone healing and reducing the risk of infections without relying on traditional antibiotics, this innovation could significantly improve patient outcomes and revolutionize the field of bone injury treatment.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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