Investigating how bacterial biofilms on spinal implants cause metal corrosion and health issues.
Official title: In-vivo polymicrobial biofilms resulting in implant corrosion and metallosis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10755691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how harmless bacteria that grow on spinal implants can cause the metal to break down and release tiny harmful particles into the body, which could lead to serious health issues, and it's for anyone who has had spinal surgery with metal hardware.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 19, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,919 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR080873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10755691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have received spinal implants and are experiencing symptoms related to metallosis or metal ion release.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without spinal implants or those not experiencing any symptoms related to metal corrosion are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how non-pathogenic bacterial biofilms that form on spinal hardware can lead to the corrosion of metal implants, resulting in the release of harmful metal particles into the body. The study will utilize advanced microscopy techniques to analyze the surface damage of these implants and identify the presence of bacteria associated with corrosion. By examining the relationship between bacterial presence and metal release, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind metallosis, a condition linked to serious health risks such as cardiotoxicity and cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and longevity of spinal implants, reducing the risk of metallosis and associated health complications for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been previous studies indicating that bacterial biofilms can influence metal corrosion in medical devices.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayers, Reed a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ayers, Reed a
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.