Novel antimicrobial surfaces to combat AMR infections in medical implants and devices
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Oral and Dental Science
Abstract
Despite tremendous improvements in surgical procedures, bacterial infection remains the dominant cause of medical device or implant failure, resulting in significant patient trauma and a huge burden on the NHS. Current solutions to combat such infections are largely based upon incorporation of chemicals (e.g. antibiotics) into the devices, but these approaches have a number of shortcomings. One of the biggest problems is the development of antimicrobial resistance amongst bacteria, which has been described by the government as a 'ticking time bomb' that poses an "apocalyptic" threat to public health. Thus a completely new way of killing antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is urgently needed. This project explores a unique physical means to kill AMR bacteria by puncturing their cell walls with tiny spikes. Such structures are inspired by those found in nature on cicada wings and can be incorporated on the surface of implant biomaterials. This project aims to develop a range of innovative surfaces that are able to kill bacteria via nanospikes, including bacteria that are resistant to killing by antibiotics, and to determine exactly how the bacteria are being killed. With further commercial exploitation such novel antimicrobial surfaces have potential to be used for next-generation biomedical devices and implants, with improved performance compared to those devices in current use.
Technical Summary
Medical implants and devices constitute an indispensable and vital component of modern healthcare, resulting in greater survival rates, particularly amongst critically ill patients. However, despite tremendous improvements in surgical procedures, biomaterial-associated bacterial infections remain the dominant cause for prosthetic device or implant failures, resulting in significant patient trauma and a huge healthcare burden on the NHS. Current solutions are largely based upon chemical means (e.g. antibiotics or antimicrobial agents such as silver), which have many shortcomings and limitations. There are also issues associated with the growing problem of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria. Thus, a completely new way of killing AMR bacteria is urgently needed. In this innovative project we will explore a unique physical means to combat biomaterial-associated bacterial infections, utilising novel surfaces that kill bacteria with nanospikes, that resemble the nanotextured surfaces found on cicada wings in nature and have already been shown to be effective at killing certain bacteria by us. We aim to develop a range of antimicrobial surfaces with nanospikes that exhibit bactericidal properties against a wide variety of infection-associated bacteria. We will also investigate the synergistic effect of enzyme functionalised nanospikes to target peptidoglycan layer within the bacterial cell walls in order to develop novel surfaces with maximum bactericidal properties against AMR bacteria. Taken together, the knowledge generated in this project will be used for the rational design and fabrication of future medical implants and devices to combat AMR infections. This will contribute to the priority areas of national health and the economy, benefiting both patients and the NHS.
Planned Impact
The principal beneficiaries of this research proposal are the general public, especially those who require implanted medical devices. The main impact derives from development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials for use in medical implants or prostheses. Current medical devices have significantly improved modern healthcare, increasing patient survival rates, particularly for those critically ill. However, like other medical interventions, the insertion of medical devices can be associated with serious complications, of which infections remain the most common. This project aims to study novel biomaterials that kill bacteria using unique nanospike structures to rupture bacterial cell walls and are thus resistant to bacterial infection. This approach also has the significant advantage that it utilises a topographical bactericidal mechanism rather than the chemical mechanisms seen with current devices (e.g. antibiotics and silver). Thus this new approach has potential to be effective against antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria. Ultimately development of such antimicrobial biomaterials has potential to improve healthcare practices using medical devices for the benefit of both patient wellbeing and associated socioeconomic costs on a global scale.
Development of novel antimicrobial materials for use in medical devices also has significant potential to attract R&D collaboration/investment from companies who fabricate biomedical implants and prostheses, in particular those transcutaneous implants used in orthopaedics and dentistry where infections remain the major concern. Examples include intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses, external fixation pins, dental implants and abutments. Such devices are also particularly prone to infection by AMR bacteria. The provision of antimicrobial materials that utilise a novel bactericidal mechanism that is equally effective against AMR bacteria therefore has potential to significantly improve current manufacturing practices. Ultimately, exploitation of novel biomaterials for the development of next-generation medical devices with resistance to bacterial infection has potential to transform biomedical/biotechnology industries, and thus contribute to the nation's overall health and wealth creation.
Development of novel antimicrobial materials for use in medical devices also has significant potential to attract R&D collaboration/investment from companies who fabricate biomedical implants and prostheses, in particular those transcutaneous implants used in orthopaedics and dentistry where infections remain the major concern. Examples include intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prostheses, external fixation pins, dental implants and abutments. Such devices are also particularly prone to infection by AMR bacteria. The provision of antimicrobial materials that utilise a novel bactericidal mechanism that is equally effective against AMR bacteria therefore has potential to significantly improve current manufacturing practices. Ultimately, exploitation of novel biomaterials for the development of next-generation medical devices with resistance to bacterial infection has potential to transform biomedical/biotechnology industries, and thus contribute to the nation's overall health and wealth creation.
Publications
Tripathy A
(2017)
Natural and bioinspired nanostructured bactericidal surfaces.
in Advances in colloid and interface science
Tsimbouri PM
(2016)
Osteogenic and bactericidal surfaces from hydrothermal titania nanowires on titanium substrates.
in Scientific reports
Xu W
(2020)
Characteristics of novel Ti-10Mo-xCu alloy by powder metallurgy for potential biomedical implant applications.
in Bioactive materials
Xu W
(2021)
Design and performance evaluation of additively manufactured composite lattice structures of commercially pure Ti (CP-Ti).
in Bioactive materials
Yu A
(2023)
Additive manufacturing of multi-morphology graded titanium scaffolds for bone implant applications
in Journal of Materials Science & Technology
Description | Featured in UKRI AMR House of Commons Event |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | (Bio-TUNE) - Fine tune of cellular behavior: multifunctional materials for medical implants |
Amount | € 814,200 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 872869 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 12/2023 |
Description | Biophysical stimulation-enhanced antimicrobial surfaces to combat implant-associated infections |
Amount | £53,991 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 05/2018 |
Description | Bristolbridge |
Amount | £25,395 (GBP) |
Funding ID | CHEM RB1768 (EP/M027546/1) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2016 |
End | 04/2016 |
Description | In vitro and in vivo studies of 3D orthopaedic implants with cell-instructive nanotopographies |
Amount | £699,713 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/S010343/1 |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2019 |
End | 05/2022 |
Description | MRC Innovation Grant |
Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/N010345/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2016 |
End | 03/2018 |
Description | emPOWER: in-body artificial muscles for physical augmentation, function restoration, patient empowerment and future healthcare |
Amount | £6,142,804 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T020792/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 08/2026 |
Description | Novel 3D Printed Ti implants |
Organisation | University of Science and Technology Beijing |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The USTB provides newly developed 3D printed Ti alloy implants for surface nanostructuring at University of Bristol. |
Collaborator Contribution | We carry out nanopatterning of Ti implants and stem cells/microbiological studies to produce cell-instructive surfaces. |
Impact | So far, 3 joint publications were obtained. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Visible light photocatalytic antimicrobial coatings for dental applications |
Organisation | Federal University of Paraíba |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We develop antimicrobial coating technologies to combat AMR bacterial infection in dental applications and carry out antimicrobial activities measurements. |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Fausthon da Silva visit Prof Su's lab at Bristol to investigate g-C3N4 nanosheets and their photocatalytic activities. |
Impact | Not yet. A few joint publications are anticipated. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | cell-instructive surfaces |
Organisation | Polytechnic University of Catalonia |
Country | Spain |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Nanostructured surfaces: generation and characterisation |
Collaborator Contribution | Functionalisation of nano-surfaces with cell-binding ligands to improve cell attachment while preventing bacterial growth |
Impact | A joint publication in Scientific Reports. One more in preparation. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Big Bang Bristol |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Big Bang Bristol was a free two-day science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) extravaganza at the Trinity Arts Centre, Bristol, in July 2017. Visitors will be able to learn about the world-class research taking place in the region, find out about life as a postgraduate and how to become a professor. We have participated and showcased our research on bio-inspired bactericidal nanospike surfaces which attracted a lot of interests in our research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Biofilm Create! Competition 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A competition organised by the National Biofilm Innovation Centre funded by the UKRI (BBSRC). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.biofilms.ac.uk/biofilm-create-competition-2022-winners/ |
Description | From deep-sea sponges to dragonfly wings: Superbug research from unexpected places |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Media coverage of our work on 'fighting bacteria using bio-inspired materials'. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://mrc.ukri.org/news/blog/from-deep-sea-sponges-to-dragonfly-wings-superbug-research-from-unexp... |
Description | GW4 AMR Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | >100 researchers esp. ECR attended the GW4 Alliance (Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and Exeter) organised AMR Conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited talk at IUMRS2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | International conference invited talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invited talk at National Honey Show |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited to give a talk on our research in insect wing inspired antimicrobial surfaces to beekeepers and general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Invited talk in a workshop by The Sheffield Antimicrobial Resistance Network (SHAMROK). |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk in a workshop by The Sheffield Antimicrobial Resistance Network (SHAMROK). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invited talk in a workshop organised by the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering (IMSE) at Imperial College London |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Audience from a number of different department at Imperial, including Materials, Medicine, Mathematics, Life Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and the Imperial NHS Trust attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited talk in an international conference of Advanced Materials organised by Newcastle University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | International audience mostly from Europe attended this conference |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Invited talk, 31st International Materials Research Congress (IMRC2023), Cancun, Mexico |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk, Nanostructured Antimicrobial Surfaces for Medical Implants, 31st International Materials Research Congress (IMRC2023), Cancun, Mexico |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.mrs-mexico.org.mx/imrc2023/ |
Description | Keynote lecture in International Forum and Silk Road Conference on Advanced Functional Films and Coatings, Xi'an, China |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The intended purpose of this international forum was to exchange the latest research information on surface engineering. i was invited to give a keynote lecture on our work on antimicrobial surfaces. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Keynote lecture, Euromat23, Frankfurt, Germany |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Keynote speaker in the EUROMAT 2023 which is the premier international congress for the latest advancements in materials science and technology organised by FEMS. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://euromat2023.com/ |
Description | Keynote lecture, International Conference on Emerging Trends of Healthcare Technology in Post-COVID-19 Era, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | An online international conference organised by IIT Kharagpur, India. The intended purpose was to report latest development in medical technology in post-COVID-19 era. I was invited to give a keynote lecture on our work on smart implants. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Kill superbugs with nanospears |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Research without boarders |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Nanobio workshop, Leuven, Belgium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at Nanobio workshop, organised by Vision Dynamics Science & Entrepreneurship. Audiences are mainly from European universities and SMEs. Disseminated our work to wider communities. A collaboration was initiated in this workshop with a UK company (Nanokicking) based in Glasgow. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) All Research Partner meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Researchers and industrial partners to exchange information of their research under the NBIC memberships |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.biofilms.ac.uk/ |
Description | Plenary talk at Hunan Bone Summit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Plenary talk to doctors and university |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Poster presentation, Infection and Immunity Research Network Early Career Researchers' event, University of Bristol, 1st Feb 2023 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Annual event organised by the University, esp. for ECRs |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Poster presentation, The 8th Thesinge Biofilm Conference, May 23-24, 2022, The Netherlands |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An international conference held biennially with about 200-300 participants from academia and industries. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://biofilm-thesinge.com/index.php |
Description | Presentation at RSC Twitter Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Poster presentation to showcase our research in antimicrobial surfaces to general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Presentation at UoB Infection and Immunity ECR Symposium |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | >50 researchers, mostly ECRs attended the event to exchange information in I&I theme. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | RSC Poster 2023 - Twitter Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An online conference organised by the RSC. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
URL | https://www.rsc.org/our-events/rsc-poster/ |