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Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices

Project description

Antimicrobial strategies for safer medical implants

Medical implants help patients regain mobility, function, and overall quality of life. Still, implant-associated infections (IAIs) are a serious issue in orthopaedics, otology, and dentistry. These infections resist treatment and thrive due to biofilm formation. IAIs lead to long-term problems and drive up healthcare costs. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SHIELD project aims to bring together 27 partners from 11 countries. It will combine regenerative medicine, biomaterial science, and translational models to create new antimicrobial strategies for implants. Additionally, the project will train young scientists to connect lab discoveries with clinical practice. The main goal is to make implants safer and improve infection control.

Objective

Medical implants have revolutionised healthcare by improving quality of life through replacing missing structures, restoring function, and promoting tissue regeneration. However, implant-associated infections (IAIs) undermine these benefits, particularly in orthopaedics, otology, and odontology, leading to chronic issues and substantial healthcare costs. IAIs, exacerbated by biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance, pose a significant public health challenge. The SHIELD doctoral network aims to advance our understanding of IAIs, from their multifactorial pathogenesis to the development of new antibacterial biomaterials, bridging the gap between basic research and practical applications.

SHIELD is structured around three scientific pillars to advance IAI control strategies in orthopaedics, otology, and odontology: regenerative medicine, biomaterial science, and translational research models. These pillars drive research on therapeutic strategies, innovative biomaterials, and experimental proof-of-concept models. The network focuses on clinical studies, antimicrobial strategies for implants, and preclinical models to study IAI mechanisms.

Our goal is to train 16 young researchers through an interdisciplinary and translational approach, combining basic research with preclinical and clinical testing. In collaboration with 27 partners from 11 countries, SHIELD brings together expertise from multiple disciplines to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. By developing new antimicrobial solutions for implants and conducting bench-to-bedside research, SHIELD aims to improve infection management protocols and patient care, significantly advancing the field of infection control in medical devices.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

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Coordinator

GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution
€ 973 890,00
Address
VASAPARKEN
405 30 Goeteborg
Sweden
Region
Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (11)

Partners (15)