Nanotechnology helps protect patients from bone infections

Scientists in the UK have discovered nanotechnology could hold the key to preventing deep bone infections after developing a treatment that prevents bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms growing.

The pioneering research led by the University of Sheffield and part-funded by the European Commission, showed applying small quantities of antibiotic to the surface of medical devices, from small dental implants to hip replacements, could protect patients from serious infection. Scientists used revolutionary nanotechnology to work on small polymer layers inside implants that measure between 1 and 100 nanometres.

Lead researcher Paul Hatton, professor of biomaterials sciences at the UK university, commented: “Micro-organisms can attach themselves to implants or replacements during surgery and once they grab onto a non-living surface, they are notoriously difficult to treat which causes a lot of problems and discomfort for the patient.

“By making the actual surface of the hip replacement or dental implant inhospitable to these harmful micro-organisms, the risk of deep bone infection is substantially reduced. Our research shows that applying small quantities of antibiotic to a surface between the polymer layers which make up each device could prevent not only the initial infection, but secondary infection – it is like getting between the layers of an onion skin.”

Treating the surface of medical devices would have a greater impact on patients considered at high risk of infection, such as trauma victims from road traffic collisions or combat operations and those who have had previous bone infections.

Adding further thoughts, Hatton said: “Deep bone infections associated with medical devices are increasing in number, especially among the elderly. As well as improving the quality of life, this new application for nanotechnology could save health providers such as the NHS millions of pounds every year.”

The study also received funding from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, with the results published in Acta Biomaterialia.