A team of researchers from Washington State University (WSU) has developed a novel 3D printed surgical implant that can kill 87% of the bacteria that cause staph infections, while also promoting healthy tissue growth around the implant. The implant, which is made of a titanium alloy mixed with tantalum and copper, could improve infection control in many common surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements.
Staph infections are one of the leading causes of implant failure and poor outcomes after surgery. They can occur right after surgery or weeks or months later as a secondary infection. Once an infection sets in as a thin film on the implant surface, it is very difficult to treat with antibiotics. In some cases, doctors have to perform a revision surgery, removing the implant, cleaning the area, adding antibiotics and putting in another implant.
The WSU researchers, led by Professors Amit Bandyopadhyay and Susmita Bose, used 3D printing technology to add 10% tantalum, a corrosion-resistant metal, and 3% copper to the titanium alloy typically used in implants. Tantalum is known to enhance bone tissue integration, while copper has antibacterial properties. When bacteria come into contact with the copper surface of the implant, almost all of their cell walls rupture, killing them.
The researchers tested the mechanical, biological and antibacterial properties of their implant in the lab and in animal models. They found that the implant was strong, compatible with surrounding tissue and able to kill 87% of the staph bacteria in laboratory tests. They also studied the wear of the implant to make sure that metal ions from the implant would not cause toxicity in nearby tissue.
“The biggest advantage for this type of multifunctional device is that one can use it for infection control as well as for good bone tissue integration,” said Bose, who is the Westinghouse Distinguished Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. “Because infection is such a big issue in today’s surgical world, if any multifunctional device can do both things, there’s nothing like it.”
The researchers reported their work in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing1. They hope that their implant could someday be used in clinical settings to improve the success rate and safety of many common surgeries.
1: Infection-resistant, 3D‑printed metals developed for implants | WSU Insider | Washington State University
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