Antiadhesive and Antibacterial Coatings for Short-Term Titanium Implants - ImplanCoat

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Ulrich Jonas; Professorin Dr. Ulrike Ritz
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery ; Polymer Materials
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575060114

Fractures represent a significant global health burden. Surgical treatment often involves the use of titanium implants, which, depending on the fracture, often remain in the body only temporarily. While titanium offers many advantages due to its biocompatibility and mechanical strength, it also promotes unwanted tissue adhesion. This complicates later removal and can lead to tendon ruptures, pain, reduced mobility, and other complications. As with all surgical procedures, there is also a high risk of infection. This project aims to address these issues. The goal is to develop innovative coatings for short-term titanium implants that possess both anti-adhesive and antibacterial properties. For this purpose, acrylamide-based hydrogel layers are developed, which are covalently bound to the titanium surface using benzophenone-based photoinitiators. These hydrogels effectively prevent cell adhesion without exhibiting cytotoxic effects. Antibacterial activity is achieved through cationic quaternary ammonium compounds (BPQAAm) or the covalently attached antimicrobial peptide SAAP-148—without the release of antibiotics. In preliminary work, several hydrogels were synthesized and tested in vitro. These studies demonstrated the feasibility of producing stable coatings with high cell viability and strong antibacterial effects. Robust attachment to titanium was achieved through phosphonic acid-containing anchor polymers. Further developments include poly(2-oxazoline)-based systems, which also exhibit excellent anti-adhesive and antifouling properties. This three-year project builds on these findings and is divided into seven work packages: polymer synthesis to produce and optimize covalently crosslinkable, antibacterial hydrogels; submission and approval of an animal trial for in vivo testing; development of coating technologies for uniform application on complex 3D implants; subsequent stability testing to assess mechanical resilience and sterilizability; characterization of the coatings through microscopic and chemical analysis of layer thickness, homogeneity, and swelling behavior; in vivo testing through implantation in rats to evaluate tissue adhesion and antibacterial performance in muscle and bone tissue; and finally, translation of the results to clinically relevant implants (e.g., screws, nails) in collaboration with industry partners. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver a functional prototype for clinical application that reduces the risks of tissue adhesion and infection, thereby significantly improving patient care for temporary implants.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants