Infectious Diseases Impact on Biomedical Devices and Materials

Infectious diseases and nosocomial infections may play a significant role in healthcare issues associated with biomedical materials and devices. Many current polymer materials employed are inadequate for resisting microbial growth. The increase in microbial antibiotic resistance is also a factor in problematic biomedical implants. In this work, the difficulty in diagnosing biomedical device-related infections is reviewed and how this leads to an increase in microbial antibiotic resistance. A conceptualization of device-related infection pathogenesis and current and future treatments is made. Within this conceptualization, we focus specifically on biofilm formation and the role of host immune and antimicrobial therapies. Using this framework, we describe how current and developing preventative strategies target infectious disease. In light of the significant increase in antimicrobial resistance, we also emphasize the need for parallel development of improved treatment strategies. We also review potential production methods for manufacturing specific nanostructured materials with antimicrobial functionality for implantable devices. Specific examples of both preventative and novel treatments and how they align with the improved care with biomedical devices are described.