The use of biomaterials implants to treat injured and/or diseased bone is associated with biomaterials associated infections (BAI). So far, such infections are treated with implant replacement by multi-stage surgery and long-time antibiotics, which is a high burden for patients. Due to the considerable number of patients, especially with osteosynthetic implants and prosthetic joints, there is an urgent need to address this challenge. A steadily growing number of elderly patients adds to the challenge and calls for new and coordinated efforts and responses.

Important in BAI processes is the microenvironment at the implant-tissue interface, consisting of protein fibers of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that impact endogenous cell adhesion. Based on this knowledge, biomimetic ECM like implant coatings have been developed previously.

Proteins found in the human body, such as lysozyme and albumin possess antimicrobial or antiadhesive properties. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) as discrete (single) molecules have been used to coat biomaterials surfaces. Therefore, proteins are promising building blocks for novel antimicrobial biomaterials in the new DFG-Research Training Group (RTG) 2723 Materials-Microbes-Microenvironments (M-M-M).

In this review, we present possible protein candidates that show an antimicrobial effect. In addition, we look at self-assembled protein nanofibers (PNFs) and the assembly mechanisms that may be also suitable for this application. Furthermore, we will discuss experimental approaches to investigate the interaction between the PNFs and osteoblasts, macrophages as representatives of the immune response and bacteria.

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – 444711651, RTG 2723 Materials-Microbes-Microenvironments (M-M-M).