Degradable bone cement that delivers new antibiotics for infected bones
Nanostructured degradable bone cement for delivering novel antibiotics
A degradable bone cement will slowly release new antibiotics to help treat bone infections, especially for people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a bone infection, this project is working on a special biodegradable cement that can be put into the infected area and slowly release antibiotics right where they are needed. The team is designing a nanostructured material to break down in the body so it does not need a second surgery to remove it. The approach aims to overcome stubborn bacterial biofilms and antibiotic resistance while also supporting bone healing. Research includes developing the material and testing how well it kills bacteria and helps bone repair before moving toward patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with osteomyelitis or infected bone after debridement, particularly patients with diabetes or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: People without bone infections, those whose infection is best treated only with systemic antibiotics, or patients allergic to the study antibiotics may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could clear bone infections better while reducing the need for repeat surgeries and improving bone healing.
How similar studies have performed: Doctors already use antibiotic-loaded bone cements like non-degradable PMMA and some bioabsorbable carriers have shown promise, but combining degradable nanostructured cement with novel antibiotics is a newer strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sengupta, Shiladitya — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sengupta, Shiladitya
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.