Diagnostics & Devices:
OrthoHoney™: Inherently Antimicrobial Bone Cement to Prevent Device-Related Infections
Alexander Tatara, M.D.
- Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering.
OrthoHoney™ is a novel antimicrobial bone cement that combines the natural infection-fighting properties of honey with the structural strength of synthetic polymers. Unlike conventional antibiotic-loaded bone cement, which releases antibiotics poorly and weakens under load, OrthoHoney™ inherently inhibits bacteria like MRSA and M.S.SA—even without antibiotics—and becomes stronger with drug loading. Its unique porous structure allows complete antibiotic release and rapid bacterial killing, significantly outperforming current products in both preclinical testing and mechanical resilience. Already recognized with the 2025 Jeanette Wilkins Award and attracting commercial interest from Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, Arthrex, and Medacta, OrthoHoney™ represents a first-in-class infection-preventing orthopedic biomaterial. The team is preparing for ISO testing, large-animal studies, and a Parkland-sponsored clinical trial in diabetic foot infections.
