© Inserm, E.
Falette
(September 23, 2015) The
implantation of medical devices is not without risks. Bacterial or fungal
infections can occur and the body’s strong immune response may lead to the
rejection of the implant. Researchers at Unit 1121 “Biomaterials and
Bio-engineering” (Inserm/Strasbourg university) have succeeded in creating a
biofilm with antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It may
be used to cover titanium implants (orthopaedic prostheses, pacemakers…)
prevent or control post-operative infections. Other frequently used medical devices
that cause numerous infectious problems, such as catheters, may also benefit.
These results are published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
See video on the discovery presented by Philippe Lavalle,
Research Director at Inserm (subtitles soon available)
Implantable medical devices (prosthesis/pacemakers) are an
ideal interface for micro-organisms, which can easily colonize their surface.
As such, bacterial infection may occur and lead to an inflammatory reaction.
This may cause the implant to be rejected. These infections are mainly caused
by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, originating in the body, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These infections may also be fungal or caused by
yeasts. The challenge presented by implanting medical devices in the body is
preventing the occurrence of these infections, which lead to an immune response
that compromises the success of the implant. Antibiotics are currently used
during surgery or to coat certain implants. However, the emergence of
multi-resistant bacteria now restricts their effectiveness.
A biofilm invisible
to the naked eye…
It is within this context that researchers at the
“Bioengineering and Biomaterials” Unit 1121 (Inserm/Strasbourg University) with
four laboratories[1] have developed a biofilm with antimicrobial and
anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have used a combination of two substances:
polyarginine (PAR) and hyaluronic acid (HA), to develop and create a film
invisible to the naked eye (between 400 and 600 nm thick) that is made of
several layers. As arginine is metabolised by immune cells to fight pathogens,
it has been used to communicate with the immune system to obtain the desired
anti-inflammatory effect. Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the body, was
also chosen for its biocompatibility and inhibiting effect on bacterial growth.