Research project 2

• Host institution: GÖTEBORGS UNIVERSITET (UGOT), Sweden 
  Biomaterials, Orthopaedics, Infectious diseases
• Supervisor: M. Trobos, e-mail: margarita.trobos@biomaterials.gu.se
• DC 2: NN

Project Description

Short description: DC2 will study the molecular mechanisms of biofilm formation linked to implant-associated infections. Utilising advanced in vitro and in vivo models, the project will explore bacterial-osteoblast interactions, biofilm development, and the role of staphylococcal adhesins in infection persistence. Collaborations with genetic engineering experts will support the creation of mutant strains to better understand key pathogenic pathways.

Learn more about this position at EURAWESS

Objectives

This PhD project aims to advance the understanding of biofilm-related infections in orthopaedic implants by developing and applying both in vitro and in vivo models. Implant-associated infections pose a serious threat to the success of medical devices, particularly in orthopaedics, where biofilms significantly reduce antibiotic efficacy and impair osseointegration. This PhD project, part of the SHIELD doctoral network (Strategies for Healing Implant-associated infections and Enhancing Longevity in Devices), will contribute to developing translational strategies to combat these infections through collaborative, interdisciplinary research.

Research activities include: 
To evaluate the role of serum proteins in influencing antibiotic activity using the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) model on titanium pegs, simulate biofilm-host interactions through a flow cell co-culture system with osteoblasts, and assess the performance of antimicrobial cements for infection prevention and tissue integration. The PhD student will also contribute to the development of an in vivo rat model to study the impact of biofilm infections on implant osseointegration and generate mutant bacterial strains to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion and survival in host cells. 

Through a combination of microbiology, imaging, molecular biology, and translational modelling, the PhD student will generate data to support the design of biofilm-resistant materials and evaluate anti-infective strategies relevant to clinical practice. 

Training and mobility:

• Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:
  • Heraeus Medical GmbH (Germany)
  • AO Research Institute (Switzerland)
  • Fundación Miguel Servet (Spain)

Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

Expected Results
 

More information about the Doctoral positions at this EURAXESS's link