Nanocoatings for preventing orthopaedic implant–associated bacterial infections

Abstract

The Research department of the Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital is determined to conduct more extensive research studies on modification of materials for orthopaedic implants. The starting research in the newly founded Research laboratory shall include basic and applied studies which results shall be potentially considered and eventually implemented in daily clinical practice of Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital. With an accurate inspection of the emerging medical needs in the field of orthopaedics we envisaged the urgent need to provide a long-term protection for orthopaedic prostheses. By means of using nano-engineering approaches for the functionalization of orthopaedic implant surfaces with suitable antimicrobial agents, it is possible to protect orthopaedic implants against harmful bacteria, which trigger the initiation of implantassociated bacterial infection. As the implant-associated bacterial infection can affect the longevity of the prosthesis, thus, the scientific and financial efforts, with the help of the project Trans2care, will be focused substantially on the design and fabrication of protective antibacterial coatings for orthopaedic implants.