Establishment of a 3D organotypic co-culture model of skin for the investigation of biofilm related implant infections

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

We aim at providing a reliable tool usable in research towards treatment and prevention of peri-implant infections.

Activities/Methods:

This study aims at investigating peri-implantat infections in an in vitro model of wound infection. A 3D model of skin will be produced via co-culture of differentiated human keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

This 3D model of skin constitutes the basis for investigations into peri-implant infections with biofilm producing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis. In order to observe host-pathogen-interactions, samples will be taken at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after infection and fixed in fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)-solution. The wound’s bacterial load will be examined via FISH analysis.

Using this methodology, we will be able to quantify biofilm further divided into FISH-positive (active) and FISH-negative (resting/dead) bacteria along with their specific localization inside the biofilm. This will allow an assessment of the amount of bacteria involved, their localization and activity. In case of mixed infections, the main causative pathogen can be determined.

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