BIOREMIA — BIOfilm-REsistant Materials for hard tissue Implant Applications

Results in brief

BIOfilm-REsistant Materials for hard tissue Implant Applications

BIOREMIA reached the main project goal in establishing a joint research-training programme by an interdisciplinary and intersectoral network for training the next generation of highly qualified researchers and entrepreneurs in the emerging field of biofilm-resistant biomaterials for implant applications. BIOREMIA aims to improve the patient quality of life by minimizing infection rates of medical implants. Implant-related infections caused by bacterial biofilms are a major cause of implant rejection, with high economic and social associated costs. Since antibiotic treatments are controversially and ineffective for bacterial biofilm, the best infection control approach is to develop novel preventive measures which specifically focus on the inhibition of both bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, for instance by acting on the implant material itself. BIOREMIA tackled this problem by developing and testing innovative materials with enhanced antimicrobial device functionality that will result in improved biological acceptance of implants for bone-related applications. Fifteen Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) were trained through an innovative training programme based on individual research projects focused on designing, synthesising, characterising, and testing various antibacterial and anti-biofouling materials and coatings. During the local training and Network-wide training events the ESRs received a broad knowledge spectrum on innovative biomaterials, surface engineering, material characterisation techniques, computational materials science, electrochemistry, antibacterial technologies, biological and microbiological testing and medical device manufacturing technologies. Beside the top-class scientific training, they also received training in transferable soft skills in dedicated training events. All ESRs have successfully completed their respective research projects. They gained international and intersectoral experience through cross-institutional and industrial secondments for enhancing their employability both inside and outside academia.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Implant-associated infections, commonly caused by biofilm-forming bacteria, are highly problematic for the patient, the healthcare system, and society. BIOREMIA will recruit 15 doctoral students (ESRs) and provide a highly inter-disciplinary joint research & training programme focused on the key issues that determine the future antibacterial biomaterials and technologies for orthopaedic and dental applications. BIOREMIA links 7 academic and 4 non-academic beneficiaries as well as 6 partners from 11 European countries (Germany, Austria, Greece, Sweden, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Ireland and the Netherlands) and the USA. The ESRs will be supervised and trained by world-class academic and industrial organisations, combining technical knowledge with hands-on training in state-of-the-art research projects. BIOREMIA training program will include face-to-face and online scientific courses in biomaterials & surface engineering, biotechnology,nanotechnology, implant manufacturing, biochemistry, microbiology and biofilm. This will be complemented by education in transferable skills such as entrepreneurship, management, IPR, communication etc. useful for getting an innovation-oriented mind-set of young researchers. Participating in BIOREMIA will make PhD students highly attractive for employers and open up doors for their successful careers in research, regulation, consulting, industry and the healthcare system. They will be experts for the better assessment of the antibacterial functionality of materials and surfaces and for delivering successful strategies for the medical device industry and the healthcare system. The strong involvement of the industrial sector will provide the ESRs with a holistic perspective on career opportunities. Beyond the trained researchers, this network will produce innovative materials and technologies that will enhance the productivity of European industry and improve the well-being of European citizens by minimizing implant-associated infection rates.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

LEIBNIZ INSTITUT FUR FESTKORPER UND WERKSTOFFORSCHUNG DRESDEN EV · DresdenCoordinatorGermany
ANTHOGYR SAS · SallanchesFrance
ASHLAND SPECIALTIES IRELAND LIMITED · MullingarIreland
GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET · GoeteborgSweden
MONTANUNIVERSITAET LEOBEN · LeobenAustria
PANEPISTIMIO IOANNINON · IOANNINAGreece
PX SERVICES SA · La Chaux-De-FondsSwitzerland
STRYKER TRAUMA GMBH · SchonkirchenGermany
THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE · CAMBRIDGEUnited Kingdom
UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO · TorinoItaly
UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA · Cerdanyola Del VallesSpain

BIOREMIA · BIOfilm-REsistant Materials for hard tissue Implant Applications

Results in brief

BIOfilm-REsistant Materials for hard tissue Implant Applications

Project objective

Participants

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