Changing bacteria for the better
Bioaction is a European research project that builds on the natural partnership between humans and bacteria. Instead of eliminating bacteria, Bioaction develops advanced biomaterials — soft, biocompatible hydrogels — that can reprogram naturally occurring microbes to support tissue healing and regeneration.
The bio-hydrogels contain carriers for genetic sequences that modulate local bacterial communities, guiding them to shift from harmful to beneficial behavior.
The components of the bio-hydrogels
Genetic sequences
Designed to encode proteins necessary for tissue regeneration and to regulate immune responses.
A safety circuit is also included to control bacterial proliferation and prevent uncontrolled growth in the host.
Sequence carriers
Designed to encode proteins necessary for tissue regeneration and to regulate immune responses.
- Liposomes: small spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers
- Phages: viruses that infect bacteria
These carriers can inject genetic material into bacteria.
Bio-hydrogels
The carriers are incorporated into the surface of bio-hydrogels that can be used as a coating for implants or as injectable material formulations for infection sites.
Turning infections into allies
When the bio-hydrogel is applied to infection sites, the carriers interact with local bacteria and inject the genetic material. These genetic sequences are incorporated into bacterial chromosomes, transforming the bacteria into a source for producing beneficial proteins.
Addressing three key aspects of implant infections
- Reprogramming biofilm molecular physiology
- Regeneration
- Guidance
The gene-loaded hydrogels stimulate the production of proteins necessary for tissue regeneration and promote bone growth, ultimately accelerating the healing process.
Additionally, the hydrogels improve device integration in the implantation site and guide the spatio-temporal complex multicellular tissue regeneration process.
The bio-hydrogels exposing carriers on their surface loaded with genetic sequences will be validated in vitro and in vivo for therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. The in vivo studies are consistent with dental and orthopedic clinical applications using two animal models with different implant/infection sites.