Breakthrough in diagnosing infections in joint replacements: Czech interdisciplinary team develops smart materials

The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with other institutions, has achieved a significant milestone in the early diagnosis of postoperative complications in joint replacements. A multi-year project led by Professor David Jahoda from the Department of Orthopaedics of the First Faculty of Medicine and Motol University Hospital was successfully completed. This project included contributors from the Czech Technical University in Prague, the University of Chemistry and Technology, and the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry.

Joint replacement infections have a dramatic impact on a patient’s quality of life, the functionality of the implant, and often necessitate surgical intervention, in the worst-case scenario. Furthermore, postoperative complications significantly increase the financial burden of treatment. Current diagnostic methods can only detect inflammation once it is fully developed.

Through the collaboration of four scientific departments at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, led by Dr. Elena Tomšík from the Department of Conductive Polymers, innovative polymer materials have been developed for the early detection of inflammation and bacterial colonization. These materials are a key step toward the creation of “intelligent” joint replacements that can facilitate the timely detection of inflammation and infection, substantially increasing the chances of successful implant utilization.

Dr. Elena Tomšík explained the research outcomes: “The ROS sensor consists of a layer containing a porphyrin-metal complex that detects the presence of reactive oxygen species, as well as a biocompatible layer that prevents undesirable autoimmune reactions from the implant recipient. The pH sensor, made of conductive polymers applied to a titanium alloy electrode, was developed for potentiometric detection of pH changes.”

“These sensors not only enable early detection of infections but can also identify the type of bacteria causing the inflammation. Their simple construction allows for direct integration into implants,” clarified Professor MUDr. David Jahoda, CSc., the project leader from Motol University Hospital.

The inspiration for the research came from an article by Professor Daniel Matej (a co-researcher from the Czech Technical University in Prague) on “smart” joint replacements published in the magazine Vesmír. Professor Martin Hrubý, head of the Department of Supramolecular Polymer Systems at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, wondered whether it would be possible to develop polymer materials capable of reacting to specific markers of inflammation. Together with his colleagues, he approached Professor David Jahoda, who has long focused on joint replacement issues at the Department of Orthopaedics of the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and Motol University Hospital. They jointly prepared a project proposal, which received support from the Ministry of Health under the program for applied medical research during 2020–2023. This project serves as an excellent example of interdisciplinary collaboration effectively combining the expertise and knowledge of various research institutions.

The project’s outcomes were recognized with the prestigious Minister of Health Award for Medical Research and Development. The award ceremony took place on December 10, 2024, at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague. The Minister of Health, Professor MUDr. Vlastimil Válek, CSc., MBA, EBIR, personally presented this significant award, highlighting the project’s extraordinary contribution to modern medicine. Dr. Elena Tomšík, the main co-investigator, accepted the award on behalf of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, expressing gratitude to all colleagues involved from the Departments of Supramolecular Polymer Systems, Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces, Polymer Morphology, the Biological Models Service Laboratory, and the Department of Conducting Polymers.

The research findings were published in the prestigious journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2022.131827).