Infections associated with implantable medical devices, such as prostheses and catheters, remain a significant clinical problem with a high healthcare impact. Despite current preventive measures, these infections persist, largely due to the limited effectiveness of systemic antibiotics at the implant–tissue interface and the formation of biofilms.
To address this challenge, researchers from the Powder Technology Group at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), with the Microbiology Group of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz Health Research Institute, have developed a temporary coating system capable of releasing antimicrobials in a controlled manner during the first hours after implantation.
The technology is based on a hybrid sol-gel coating formed from silane precursors and a phosphorus-based compound, resulting in a biodegradable and biocompatible network. It allows the incorporation of different antimicrobial agents, enabling both antibacterial and antifungal action depending on clinical needs.
The coating degrades under physiological conditions, releasing the active agent locally, and can be applied to a wide range of biomaterials using dip-coating or spray techniques, offering versatility and ease of integration into clinical practice.
The technology has been developed as a temporary antimicrobial coating system for prosthetic and implantable biomaterials. Its formulation is based on a biodegradable and biocompatible hybrid sol-gel network capable of incorporating different antimicrobial agents and releasing them locally under physiological conditions.
The coating has been designed for versatile application through dip-coating or spray techniques, supporting its potential integration across biomaterials and clinical needs. Its development has focused on controlled antimicrobial release during the early post-implantation period, when infection risk is highest.
Benefits:
- Local antimicrobial control at the implantation site during the highest-risk post-implantation period.
- Reduced toxicity and improved treatment efficiency.
- Anti-biofilm activity against bacteria and fungi.
- Biodegradable and biocompatible coating with no removal required.
- Flexible application by spray or dip-coating across multiple biomaterials.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid & Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz
TRL: 5
Protection Status: Protected by Spanish patent
Financing: Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2023 (PID2023)
Contact: Vicente Calduch Diago | v.calduch@viromii.com