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Personalised and smart biomaterials

Dr MARIA GODOY GALLARDO. Ramón y Cajal Researcher (2024-2029) at the Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Research Group (BBT), from the CREB, at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC).

In the field of biomaterials, improving the biointegration of implants with surrounding tissues is a key objective with significant socio-health impact. However, implant surfaces that facilitate cell adhesion and proliferation can also promote bacterial colonisation. Biomaterial infections, often linked to biofilm formation, can be devastating. It is estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of orthopaedic implants suffer from infection-related complications. While this percentage may seem small, the complications that arise can significantly reduce patients’ quality of life and are an emerging concern in the healthcare sector.

The need for comprehensive solutions is clear: biomaterials must be capable of reducing bacterial levels without compromising the physiological functions of host cells. Currently, the market offers solutions that either focus solely on improving cell adhesion or on preventing bacterial infection, without effectively combining both objectives.

This combination is precisely what makes the Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Research Group at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) revolutionary in the field. They are developing multiple research lines to simultaneously address implant biointegration and the mitigation of bacterial infections.

One of the most relevant projects in which we are involved is “Dynamic”, which aims to design smart biomaterials based on stimulus-responsive systems capable of releasing antibacterial peptides exclusively in the presence of bacterial infections. For example, in a tissue infection, anaerobic glycolysis causes the formation of acidic metabolites, leading to the acidification of the environment. This drop in pH can be utilised to develop peptide delivery systems that are sensitive to these changes. It is estimated that such systems could reduce postoperative infections by more than 30%.

Meanwhile, in the “BAMBBI” project, we focus on the development of synthetic scaffolds with antibacterial properties based on contact, through precise control of the biomaterial’s nanotopography. BAMBBI explores the customisation of calcium phosphate scaffold structures and leverages synergy with chemical groups to confer additional antibacterial properties by immobilising antibacterial peptides. This approach is key to reducing bacterial colonisation by up to 50%, as indicated by preliminary data from preclinical studies.

The biomaterials developed by the BBT group are highly innovative and hold significant potential for technological transfer, paving the way for tissue regeneration in clinical scenarios where infections are a constant challenge. These technologies are of great interest to companies in the biomedical sector, which are seeking highly effective solutions to improve the safety and efficacy of implants.

The BBT group has a well-established track record of collaborations with leading companies such as Klockner-Soadco S.L., Ames Medical, and Galimplant, through agreements like the University-Industry Chair. Additionally, we offer services geared towards technology transfer, turning scientific know-how into solutions that can be directly applied in industry. These collaborations have opened new avenues for personalised materials, using emerging technologies as 3D printing and nanomaterials, which will enable the development of more precise implants tailored to the needs of each patient.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to creating smart biomaterials capable of responding to external stimuli, such as changes in the environment, with high-performance antibacterial properties. This represents an extraordinary opportunity for companies in the biomedical sector that wish to stay ahead of market needs by implementing innovative materials that meet patient demands for customisation and safety.

For companies interested in collaborating with the BBT, the opportunity is clear: working together to develop pioneering solutions that not only align with current market needs but are also prepared for future challenges. Technology transfer will remain a strategic pillar to ensure that academic advances are transformed into competitive, innovative products for the market.