The biomedical startup Bioprex Medical, based at Campus Groningen, is developing a promising technology to significantly reduce infection risks associated with medical implants. “We want to make medical implants safer for patients,” says Jurr van Ramshorst, COO of Bioprex Medical.

At the InnoLab Engineering on Campus Groningen, a small interdisciplinary team at Bioprex is tackling a major issue: infections that occur after placing medical implants. These infections can be life-threatening and still happen far too often. The solution? A smart antibacterial coating that kills bacteria that try to attach to implants like screws, plates, or stents.

“Bacteria love to settle on foreign materials. Once there, they shield themselves from the immune system and can cause dangerous infections within days,” Van Ramshorst explains. “Our coating, called Bioprex, kills bacteria before they even get the chance to stick.”

A Technological Paint Layer as a Barrier

Bioprex’s innovative product consists of a three-layer coating. “It’s similar to painting a house: first a primer, then a functional middle layer, and finally a topcoat,” says Van Ramshorst. The unique structure of the middle layer — a branched polymer — makes it possible to tailor the coating to different materials and applications, from titanium screws to silicone tubing.

“We can adjust the hardness and flexibility of the coating. For implants that need to withstand a lot of force, we make the coating hard and scratch-resistant. For applications requiring flexibility, we ensure it bends without cracking.”

From Lab to Real-World Use

The technology is currently in the preclinical phase. Bioprex is conducting extensive lab testing, working closely with partners including the UMCG. The goal: to find the first industrial partner within a year and take the next step toward clinical studies.

“Our initial focus is on orthopedic implant manufacturers. We’re not aiming to make implants ourselves, but to apply our coating to existing products. That way we can reach the market faster and make a bigger impact,” says Van Ramshorst.

Campus as Launchpad

Bioprex Medical has its roots in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, where the original invention came from retired professor Loontjens. Establishing the spin-off at Campus Groningen and within the InnoLab Chemistry & Engineering was a logical step.

“Campus Groningen is where chemistry and life sciences meet. The expertise is here — from companies like PolyVation and Polyganics to access to academic equipment and knowledge. It’s exactly what we need.”

Although Bioprex only recently established itself in the Innolab, there’s already extensive contact and exchange of knowledge with other campus-based companies. “There’s great potential for future partnerships, especially when we move toward production and scaling,” says Van Ramshorst. The company is also a member of the LIFE Cooperative, the northern Dutch life sciences cluster.

Internships and Entry-Level Opportunities

In addition to knowledge-sharing and access to facilities, the campus also offers opportunities for student collaboration. Van Ramshorst sees potential here. The company aims to expand its R&D team soon, with concrete plans to offer internships starting this fall. Campus Groningen is the ideal place for that, with many relevant study programs right around the corner.

“We’re literally on the doorstep of several key degree programs,” says Van Ramshorst. “That makes it easier to engage students and eventually offer internships and entry-level jobs.”

Ambitions for the Coming Years

Bioprex Medical hopes to bring its first product to market within a few years. “Once we’ve clinically validated one application, we can scale up quickly,” Van Ramshorst says. “Our technology is broadly applicable: from orthopedics to cardiovascular implants.”

The coming period will be crucial: gaining trust from industry partners, co-developing the coating for specific products, and then navigating the long but essential path of clinical validation. Van Ramshorst remains optimistic: “The urgency is clear. Everyone in the sector is looking for ways to prevent infections. We believe we have a scalable and adaptable solution.”

Want to know more?
Interested in learning more about Bioprex Medical’s coating or exploring collaboration opportunities? Visit Bioprex Medical’s website or contact Jurr van Ramshorst directly at j.vanramshorst@bioprexmedical.com.

Text: Campus Groningen
Picture f.l.t.r.: Jurr van Ramshorst (COO), Jan Swartjes (Head of Product Development), Yu Sheng (Lab Analyst), Rui Li (Senior Scientist)