Emerging non-antibiotic strategies for implant-associated biofilm infections by reprogramming the dysregulated immune microenvironment

npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yi Zhang, Z X Dai, Xiaoye Li, Ao He, Jinjin Zheng, Meng Ding, Qiang Li, Yongbin Mou, Dongliang Yang, Weijun Xiu, Heng Dong
DOI: 10.1038/s41522-025-00907-3
Cited by: 16
References: 262

Abstract

Implant-associated infections (IAIs) arise from immune dysregulation and the resilience of bacterial biofilms, which create a permissive niche for persistent infection. Biofilms further suppress host immunity and impair repair. Advances in nanoengineered surfaces and multifunctional antimicrobial coatings, together with gas-releasing and stimulus-responsive nanoplatforms, offer effective non-antibiotic strategies to inhibit colonization, disrupt biofilms, and modulate local immunity. This review summarizes emerging immune-informed approaches for treating IAIs.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing Orthopedic Infections and Treatments Graphene and Nanomaterials Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Biofilms and Microbiomes
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
12
Issue
1
Pages
42–42
Publication date
9 January 2026
Language
EN