3D In Vitro Models for Implant-Associated Infections

Despite the success of implants in many medical disciplines, implant-associated infections can cause severe illnesses in patients. Due to demographic change and medical progress, the number of patients with implants will increase, making the problem increasingly significant. The treatment options of those infections are being made even worse by the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. To develop new diagnostic methods and treatment strategies, a better understanding of the host-bacteria-implant interaction is necessary. Advanced 3D in vitro models can provide answers to a wide range of biological questions concerning this approach. They can not only help to understand the biology behind implant-associated infections but also help to develop and investigate new implant materials as well as diagnostic approaches. Therefore, this work aims to compare the current 3D in vitro models for implant-associated infections that include and analyze the interaction of cells in a 3D culture, infection relevant bacterial strains and an implant material.