Nitric oxide-generating metallic wires for enhanced metal implants

Metallic implants are crucial in modern medicine, but implant-related infections are a major problem. Current drug delivery methods have limitations. This research introduces a simpler method: using implant materials' intrinsic properties to activate prodrugs. A thermal treatment gives implants catalytic properties to locally generate nitric oxide (an antibacterial agent). This treatment is non-toxic, doesn't affect cell proliferation, and inhibits bacterial biofilm formation. This material-driven approach eliminates external chemical/enzymatic interventions, offering a promising solution to prevent implant infections.

Federico Mazur, Yingzhu Zhou, Gervase Ng, Qingqing Fan, Andy-Hoai Pham, Cyrille Boyer, Rona Chandrawati