Preventing infections in an ageing population: new nano/microcarriers for antibacterial coatings

I. Infectious diseases are approaching pandemic levels in an ageing population; responsible for ca. 30% of deaths in overs 60’s. Antibiotic resistance poses a threat to everyone but seniors are at particular risk due to accumulative antibiotic resistance; with ca. 40% of all prescription drugs in over 60’s containing penicillin based antibiotics (including wound dressings, catheters, joints replacements). This has resulted in an antimicrobial resistance and the rise in so called super bugs e.g. MRSA. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and nanosilver have demonstrated rapid antimicrobial activity and therefore offer a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, they are currently limited by their stability in physiological conditions (biodegradation, pH, ionic strength, aggregation and surface immobilisation). This results in a loss of activity, a general lack of controlled effectiveness and reduced mode of action, including controlled release. Overcoming these issues will therefore have significant impact on Healthy Ageing.

II. Research aims. The aim of this project is to design a new approach for effective action of nanosilver and AMPs based coatings towards combating the antimicrobial resistance. This will be done via fabrication of coatings containing biocompatible vectors to effectively host, protect, and locally release bactericides on demand.

III. Originality and methodology. The project will combine unique modern approaches for biocompatible encapsulation of fragile biomolecules, nanoparticles, and surface immobilization as well as self-healing or self-regulating concepts. The vectors - vaterite CaCO3 carriers - will host and release active bactericides as a response to growth of biofilm. AMPs and nanosilver loading will be studied. The industrial partner will provide training in surface coating production, testing and upscaling. Microbiology tests will be performed at NTU, School advanced facilities for characterization will be provided (SEM, CLSM, TEM).

IV. Fitting to NTU and DTA research strategy, including interdisciplinarity. Strategic research at NTU will benefit from interdisciplinary project activities to be published in high-ranked journals eligible for B12/A03, new IP and licencing options, potential impact case study and external funding (industrial and RCUK). The project tackles microbial contamination and spread of infection in the healthcare environment. Solving the problem is crucial to improve Healthy Ageing as a focus of DTA Applied Biosciences for Health. The project is inherently interdisciplinary due to integration of material science (encapsulation), engineering (self-healing), physical chemistry (bactericide binding), biology (bactericide activity), industrial production (scale-up, end-product).

V. Project confidentiality. There no conflict of interest or any issues preventing publication of the results of the project

Applications

Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is Monday 8 October 2018. There will be another opportunity to apply for DTA3 projects in the spring of 2019. The list of available projects is likely to change for the second intake.