The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance and the high incidence of infectious diseases necessitate innovative, cost-effective disinfection methods. This project proposes developing self-disinfecting pathogen getters from calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) loaded with quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) as affordable alternatives to high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for infection control in public spaces. QAS are known for their potent antimicrobial activity, disrupting cell membranes of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. CPCs are used as drug delivery systems and are compatible with 3D printing fabrication approaches due to their injectability. Moreover, CPCs are self-hardening materials that do not require high temperature for consolidation, allowing the incorporation of organic molecules such as QAS. This project aims to harness the antimicrobial properties of QAS and the printability of CPCs to develop getters that trap and kill airborne and fluid-borne pathogens through biochemical interactions rather than physical filtration. The research involves selecting suitable QAS from an existing library, and investigating the effects of QAS on the rheological, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of CPCs. Robocasting, a 3D printing technology, will be used to produce tailor-made pathogen getters with varied QAS concentrations. The outcome of the project will be a sustainable, biocompatible material capable of reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in public spaces and healthcare settings. By addressing current healthcare challenges related to infection control this innovation can significantly enhance public health resilience, reduce healthcare costs, and in addition improve patient outcomes in orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgeries.

Keywords
3D printing; Infection control; Calcium phosphate cement; Quaternary ammonium salt; Antimicrobial capacity;

NW25-08-00088

English

Montufar Jimenez Edgar Benjamin, M.Sc., Ph.D. - principal person responsible
Remešová Michaela, Ing., Ph.D. - fellow researcher

Advanced Coatings
- responsible department (25.6.2024 - not assigned)
Advanced Coatings
- beneficiary (25.6.2024 - not assigned)

Responsibility: Montufar Jimenez Edgar Benjamin, M.Sc., Ph.D.