A pioneering liquid metal combination is shaping up as a potential secret weapon in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and promises to outlast existing implant materials.
While also able to combat infections, new research confirms the special metallic material is far more biocompatible with bones — giving patients potential for quicker healing and device longevity after major orthopedic surgery.
With an aging population, sport injuries and obesity among the causes, the rate of joint replacement surgery is increasing at a rapid rate. Currently more than 85,000 hip and knee replacements are undertaken each year in Australia. The outcomes of joint replacement are variable.
The 3D bioceramic scaffold embedded with silver-gallium (Ag-Ga) liquid metal nanoparticles offers a dual-function biomaterial that simultaneously combats persistent infection and promotes bone regeneration. The scaffolds significantly reduce bacterial colonization at implant sites and promote healthy bone integration, confirming both antibacterial efficacy and regenerative capability in a physiologically relevant setting.
This is the first reported instance of integrating liquid metal-based nanomaterials into a load-bearing, bioactive ceramic scaffold.
Researchers integrated Ag-Ga nanoparticles into hydroxyapatite to achieve a seamless combination of antimicrobial activity and bone-regenerative function. The latest research incorporates the surface coatings to a fully integrated, regenerative scaffold platform for orthopedic and trauma applications.
The multi-targeted antibacterial effects have been shown to be effective against a range of clinically significant pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and small colony variants.
Future applications could include:
- Antimicrobial bone void fillers for infected fractures, spinal fusions, and revision surgeries.
- Next-generation antibiotic-free bone cements with ion-mediated antimicrobial action
- Patient-specific, 3D-printed scaffolds for craniofacial, long bone, and tumour resection defects.
- Standalone implantable devices for infection-prone environments, such as diabetic foot and oncology-related bone loss.
