Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation as a means to improve the safety of temporary polymer implants

authored by: Alina Rahtz, Romina Berger, Alexander Schweigerdt, Marie Weinhart, Tammo Ripken, Sonja Johannsmeier
Abstract: Advances in medical care and an aging population have resulted in an increased routine use of temporary implants, such as catheters or venous shunts. While these devices can greatly improve the quality of life of the patients, they also pose a constant risk of infection. This is especially concerning for vulnerable groups such as cancer and elderly patients. Additionally, each infection that is treated with antibiotics increases the risk of resistance development. Hospitals in particular need to avoid nosocomial infections to prevent spreading of resistant strains and ensure the safety of their patients. There is hence a high demand for innovative solutions to prevent infections in such vulnerable settings. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation can serve as an effective means of in situ disinfection for otherwise hard to treat components. In our study, we focus on its possible application on temporary polymer implants such as catheters or shunts. In situ disinfection of such implants requires a non-toxic method and remote application. This can potentially be realized using appropriate waveguides and stable photodynamic agents. The work presented here lays the foundation for such self-disinfecting implants.
Organisation(s): Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry
External Organisation(s): Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)
NIFE - Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development
Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin)
Type: Conference contribution
Publication date: 19.03.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Biomaterials, Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3041085 (Access: Closed)