Leading PI: Aránzazu del Campo (INM) & Jörn Schattenberg (Saarland University Hospital)
Acute cholangitis is a common condition caused by biliary obstruction and infection, most often due to choledocholithiasis or neoplasia. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and drainage procedures, but despite advances in endoscopic techniques, systemic antibiotics remain necessary and carry risks such as side effects and antibiotic resistance. Recurrent infections are especially problematic in patients with neoplasia, underscoring the need for new treatment approaches. One promising strategy involves Implantable Living Therapeutic Materials (LTMs), which can deliver antibiotics like Darobactine directly at the bile duct in a controlled and sustained manner. The project aims to develop living therapeutic biliary stents for this purpose, testing their biocompatibility and antibiotic release in vitro.