Autonomous chemical and cell-based sensor-actuator systems for the detection and combat of implant-associated infections (B01)

• Subject Area: Dentistry, Oral Surgery ; Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426335750

Subproject B01 covers the entire range from detection of implant-associated infections to autoregulatory response and thus has model character for project area B. Both chemical and cellular systems will be developed. Chemical systems are designed to release anti-biofilm substances upon the appearance of enzymes specific to infection/inflammation. To increase specificity and sensitivity, chemical systems will be coupled to cellular sensors, which pick up infection/inflammation-associated signals, and redirect them via synthetic regulatory cassettes to effectors that activate drug release from chemical systems. For evaluation of the systems, new 3D tissue-implant-biofilm models will be developed.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 298: Safety Integrated and Infection Reactive Implants
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Henning Menzel; Professorin Dr. Meike Stiesch; Professorin Dr. Dagmar Wirth