Application of bacteriophage encapsulation in biodegradable polymers for the prevention of prosthetic joint infections

In 2014-2015, there were over 100,000 hip and knee replacement operations in Canada. Among these, more than 8,500 of these procedures had to be repeated. The main cause of failure was due to bacterial infections at the surface of the implants. Furthermore, this problem is likely to get worse over time due to antibiotic resistance phenomena in bacteria. We propose the development of a surface modification of the implants using bacteriophages, a class of viruses that only targets bacteria. These phages are omnipresent in the environment and our bodies, and therefore safe, and are not subject to antibiotic resistance. This polymeric surface treatment of orthopedic implants thus has the potential to greatly reduce the number of surgical revision procedures and save significant costs in both surgery time and materials.
Phagelux Canada had developed expertise in the use of bacteriophages in many fields including agriculture and animal health. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

L'Hocine Yahia

Student:

Eric Habib

Partner:

Phagelux

Discipline:

Engineering - biomedical

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Program: