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Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
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Antimicrobial 3D printed implants for periprosthetic joint infections
Iván Yuste1, Francis C Luciano1, Carmina Rodríguez2
1Pharmaceutics and Food Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
Drug Delivery and Translational Research
|August 14, 2025
Summary
New 3D-printed implants deliver antifungal and antibiotic drugs to prevent periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after hip and knee surgery. This innovative approach offers improved drug delivery and reduced toxicity compared to current methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Infectious Disease Research
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a significant complication of hip and knee arthroplasty, occurring in 1-5% of patients.
- Conventional prophylactic methods, like antibiotic-loaded bone cement, have limitations in drug release and implant integrity.
- There is a critical need for advanced solutions to prevent and treat PJIs effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel, 3D-printed, drug-eluting implant for PJI prevention and early treatment.
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy and safety profile of implants loaded with amphotericin B and vancomycin.
Main Methods:
- Personalized 3D-printed implants were fabricated using a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol (PVA-PEG) matrix via fused deposition modeling.
- Implants were designed for integration with acetabular components, enabling passive drug loading and rapid adhesion.
- In vitro antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and Staphylococcus spp. was tested.
- Drug release kinetics and hemolytic toxicity of amphotericin B (AmB) and vancomycin (VAN) were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed implants demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against tested fungal and bacterial pathogens.
- Vancomycin (VAN) showed rapid release, while amphotericin B (AmB) exhibited sustained release for up to 10 hours.
- Both drugs maintained saturation solubility for 48 hours.
- AmB-loaded implants exhibited significantly lower hemolytic toxicity (five-fold reduction) compared to the free drug.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed, drug-eluting implants represent a promising, clinically viable strategy for PJI prevention and early treatment.
- This technology overcomes limitations of conventional methods, offering improved drug delivery and safety.
- Personalized implants integrating drug delivery offer a potential advancement in orthopedic infection control.
