Microgel Fights Infection After Joint Replacment

Mar-31-19 A microgel able to target bacteria could reduce the risk of infection after joint replacement surgeries.

Developed by a team from the Stevens Institute of Technology, the gel is made up of an electrically regulated microgel embedded with antibiotics. The joint implant would be coated with the gel and placed in the body, where the electrical properties of approaching microbes will trigger the gel to release the antibiotic. In addition to helping the area heal, the targeted medication will also help reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Image: The microgels loaded with and without the antibiotic colistin. On the left, microgels were not loaded with the antibiotic, resulting in live e.coli bacteria (green). Microgels loaded with colistin resulted in dead e.coli bacteria (red)

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[NEWATLAS.COM]
[STEVENS.EDU]

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