Dynamic Intracatheter Antibiotic Delivery With ZIF‐8 Magnetic Micromotors for Ex Vivo Biofilms Removal

Herein, we describe the use of macroporous zeolitic imidazole framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) magnetic micromotors (ZIF‐8@Fe ₃ O ₄ MM) for ex vivo treatment of bacterial biofilms in patients’ bladder catheters. Two antibiotics, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TC), are loaded into the macroporous inner structure of the micromotors, which contain a magnetic core for targeted navigation to Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) biofilm‐containing locations and pH‐triggered release. The released antibiotic concentration after 24 h of treatment is 1.8 µg/mL for CIP and 10.6 µg/mL for TC. These values are 18 and 11 times higher than the estimated minimum inhibitory concentration, respectively, ensuring the micromotors’ successful operation for biofilm destruction. The strategy was proven both in biofilm cultures emulated in 3D‐printed microchannels and in bladder catheters from patients suffering from urinary tract infections. As such, 80% of the biofilm was removed in the catheters, even in the one highly infected after 50 days of treatment. The new strategy holds considerable promise for the treatment of bacterial infections associated with medical devices in the near future.