A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), led by Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Associate Professor at the School of Biosciences and Bioengineering, has made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of medical implants by introducing a revolutionary solution to address implant-associated infections.
In a paper published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry B, the researchers unveiled their innovative approach to tackling this pervasive problem. The team developed a biocompatible, non-leaching, and contact-based antibacterial coating for implants. This novel coating, known as the “MCP coating,” is a unique combination of quaternized pullulan and MoS2 nanosheets, which collectively provide a potent defense against infections while ensuring the safety of the patient. The most remarkable aspect of this solution is that it remains stable for over 30 days without any leaching from the implant surfaces.
Dr. Amit Jaiswal, the lead researcher on this project, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough: “The developed coating is a unique combination of quaternized pullulan and MoS2 nanosheets that provides a potent defense against infections, while the easy and stable coating process ensures no leakage from the implant surfaces. Crucially, this solution has been proven to be entirely safe for human cells in vitro and in vivo in mice model, making it a promising advancement in the field of medical implants.”
In rigorous testing, MCP-coated implants demonstrated their ability to prevent the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus on stainless steel implants in a mouse model of implant-associated infection. Furthermore, the MCP-coated implants showed no signs of acute or sub-chronic toxicity in mammalian cells during both in-vitro and in-vivo trials, reinforcing their safety for human use.
The paper detailing this groundbreaking research was co-authored by Dr. Amit Jaiswal from IIT Mandi and Dr. V. Badireenath Konkimalla from the National Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneshwar. It also acknowledged the contributions of research scholars Dr. Shounak Roy, Dr. Prakash Haloi, Siva Lokesh, and Veterinarian Saurabh Chawla.
The introduction of this MCP coating is a significant step forward in improving the safety and effectiveness of medical implants, offering new hope to patients and medical practitioners dealing with implant-associated infections. The research not only advances the field of implant technology but also paves the way for safer and more reliable medical procedures.
