Antimicrobial Integrated Methodologies for orthopaedic applications

Project Information

AIMed

Grant agreement ID: 861138

DOI

10.3030/861138

Project closed

EC signature date 17 January 2020

Start date 1 January 2020

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 3 845 532,12

EU contribution

€ 3 845 532,12

Coordinated by

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
United Kingdom

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - AIMed (Antimicrobial Integrated Methodologies for orthopaedic applications)

Reporting period: 2022-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

AIMed has achieved its scientific and training goals, demonstrating that bio-inspired peptides, ion-doped ceramics and laser-engineered surfaces can prevent bacterial colonisation without antibiotics. The project lays the foundation for next-generation infection-resistant implants that will lower healthcare costs, reduce antibiotic dependence and improve patients’ quality of life.
Context and relevance
Implant-associated infections are a major complication in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Despite strict sterilisation, bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation still cause implant failure, repeated operations and long hospital stays. These infections are increasingly difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health threat identified by the WHO and European Commission. Developing new antibiotics is costly and slow, while bacteria evolve resistance rapidly. Thus, antibiotic-free solutions for infection prevention are urgently needed. Post-surgical infections affect up to 5 % of orthopaedic procedures, with treatment costs exceeding €2 billion per year in Europe.
AIMed’s contribution
Orthopaedic and dental implants are vital for maintaining mobility and quality of life, particularly in an ageing population. Preventing infections directly supports EU priorities on sustainable healthcare and AMR reduction. AIMed addresses this by creating materials and surface technologies that prevent infection at the source.
Project concept and objectives
The AIMed (Antimicrobial Integrated Methodologies for Orthopaedic Applications) network united 12 beneficiaries and 7 partner organisations from academia and industry. It trained 15 PhD researchers (ESRs) in materials science, chemistry, biology and engineering. The project aimed to:
1. Design novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) inspired by human defensins and cathelicidins.
2. Functionalise metals, ceramics and polymers with AMPs or antibacterial ions (Ag, Cu, Zn).
3. Develop laser-patterned and 3D-printed materials with anti-biofilm properties.
4. Establish testing and regulatory frameworks for clinical translation.
5. Train ESRs with advanced scientific and transferable skills.
Main results and conclusions
Over 20 new AMPs were developed; two lead candidates (KR-12, B3AX2) showed broad antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. Functionalised materials achieved over 95 % bacterial inhibition and high biocompatibility. AIMed contributed to ISO TC 150 and ASTM F04 standards, completed all training events despite pandemic challenges, and built a sustainable European research network linking academia, healthcare and industry.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Since January 2020, the AIMed Innovative Training Network (ITN) has developed antibiotic-free solutions to prevent infections in orthopaedic implants. The consortium of 12 beneficiaries and 7 partner organisations trained 15 Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs), each completing a PhD within a coordinated programme on antimicrobial materials, coatings, and standards.
Scientific progress: Over 20 novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) inspired by human defensins and cathelicidins were designed and tested. Two lead candidates showed strong antibacterial activity and low toxicity. Metals, ceramics, and polymers were functionalised with these peptides or doped with Ag, Cu, and Zn ions, producing coatings that combined antimicrobial protection with biocompatibility. Biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings and laser-patterned / 3D-printed surfaces demonstrated dual antibacterial and osteogenic effects, achieving over 95 % bacterial inhibition.
Testing and standardisation: Extensive antibacterial and biocompatibility studies validated the new materials. AIMed partners contributed to ISO TC 150 and ASTM F04 committees, defining international testing protocols for antimicrobial biomaterials.
Training and dissemination: All ESRs received multidisciplinary training, completing network schools, workshops, and industrial secondments. Despite pandemic restrictions, the programme was delivered through hybrid formats. The network produced over 25 peer-reviewed publications, several patent-relevant findings, and broad dissemination at major scientific conferences.
Impact: AIMed demonstrated that bio-inspired peptides, ion-doped ceramics, and laser-engineered surfaces can prevent bacterial colonisation without antibiotics. Its results advance the EU’s fight against antimicrobial resistance, establish testing standards for safer implants, and provide Europe with a new generation of researchers driving innovation in biomedical materials.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Most implant infection-control strategies rely on systemic or local antibiotic delivery. While effective short-term, these approaches contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and do not prevent biofilm formation. Existing silver- or copper-based coatings often lack durability, biocompatibility, and regulatory validation.
AIMed moved beyond this by integrating materials science, microbiology, molecular biology and biomedical engineering to develop antibiotic-free antimicrobial materials and multifunctional implant coatings.
Key breakthroughs:
• Novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from human β-defensins and cathelicidins showing broad antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity, providing new insight for peptide design.
• Stable peptide-functionalised titanium, ceramic and polymer surfaces with lasting antimicrobial effects surpassing conventional coatings.
• Dual-function calcium phosphate coatings doped with Ag, Cu or Zn, combining antibacterial and osteogenic properties.
• Laser-patterned and 3D-printed surfaces with topographical antibacterial effects that reduce bacterial adhesion while enhancing bone-cell colonisation.
• Contributions to ISO and ASTM standards for antimicrobial surface testing, helping overcome regulatory barriers.
These innovations establish a scalable, antibiotic-free strategy for developing infection-resistant biomaterials — unprecedented in previous EU networks.
Expected results by project end (Dec 2024):
• Final validation of AMP-functionalised titanium and ion-doped CaP coatings under physiological conditions.
• Completion of all 15 ESR PhDs and publication of open-access results.
• Dissemination of testing protocols to regulators and industry.
• Continued open-access AIMed data and training resources.
Potential impacts:
AIMed advanced understanding of peptide–surface interactions and nanoscale antimicrobial mechanisms, guiding future biomaterial design for infection-resistant implants and wound-healing materials. Implant infections affect ~5 % of procedures, costing Europe €2 billion annually; AIMed’s results can reduce infections, antibiotic use and recovery time. The project supports the EU One Health strategy by providing non-antibiotic infection-control tools and training 15 researchers now active in academia and industry. Contributions to ISO/ASTM standards ensure lasting regulatory and industrial impact, accelerating translation into safe clinical products.

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