Today, AMR is responsible for an estimated 1.27 million direct deaths annually, with a further 5 million deaths linked to resistant infections worldwide.
AMR develops as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve mechanisms to withstand traditional antimicrobial treatments, making infections increasingly hard to treat. While AMR is a universal threat, its impact is especially devastating in low- and middle-income countries, where limited healthcare resources and inequality exacerbate its effects. Without intervention, the forecast for 2050 predicts an alarming 10 million annual deaths due to drug-resistant infections.
The University of Liverpool’s Antimicrobial Biomaterials Group, led by Professor Raechelle D'Sa, is pioneering breakthrough approaches to counter AMR by developing alternative antimicrobials to antibiotics and innovative delivery platforms.
Through rigorous research and the development of novel antimicrobial agents, the team is committed to reducing the global burden of AMR, driving transformative change in how we combat drug-resistant microorganisms. This work is not only advancing scientific understanding but also shaping a future where we can more effectively protect public health and sustain the effectiveness of essential treatments worldwide.
Bioinspired antimicrobials
Our scientists are engineering unique materials designed to inhibit the growth of or eradicate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These advanced materials are engineered to interact seamlessly with biological environments, such as human tissues, surgical instruments, and medical devices.
These materials are increasingly critical in healthcare settings to prevent infections, especially in implants, wound dressings, catheters, and other devices that directly interact with body tissues.
Several groundbreaking, bioinspired antimicrobials that promise transformative impact have been developed by our scientists. Nitric oxide (NO) is a central focus of our research, where we have developed a range of NO-releasing nanoparticles, gels, nanofibers, and surfaces specifically for treating challenging infections in the eye, skin, bone and lungs.
We are also advancing the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which hold exceptional promise as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. AMPs offer broad-spectrum activity, low toxicity, and, most importantly, a low propensity for inducing resistance. Our innovative work has led to the development of AMP-tethered surfaces, AMP-loaded nanogels, and 3D-printed devices designed to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, paving the way for new treatment options.
Additionally, metals like silver and copper, long known for their antimicrobial properties, have taken on a new role in combating resistant infections as we uncover the mechanisms by which they disrupt microbial cells, from inducing oxidative stress to damaging cell membranes. Our research has produced silver- and copper-doped materials that demonstrate remarkable efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens, marking a significant step forward in the fight against AMR.
Biomanufacturing of antimicrobial drug delivery platforms
Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) present a significant challenge, arising from medical treatments, surgeries, and interactions within healthcare environments. Implantable drug delivery devices and drug-eluting patches offer a powerful approach, providing sustained, controlled drug release directly to infection sites.
While several implantable drug delivery devices exist, most rely on non-biodegradable polymers that require surgical removal after use. Transitioning to biodegradable polymers would eliminate this need, offering a safer, more seamless option for patients. Advances in manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing and electrospinning, are paving the way for highly precise, personalised formulations tailored to specific patient needs, enhancing treatment efficacy.
In our research, we have successfully developed nitric oxide (NO)-releasing electrospun dressings, hydrogels, and nanoparticles, as well as antimicrobial peptide-loaded gels and 3D-printed materials, all designed to deliver antimicrobial agents in a controlled and sustained manner. These innovations bring us closer to highly effective, site-specific infection treatments that reduce reliance on traditional antibiotics and address the escalating challenge of AMR in healthcare.
Infection control in water systems
Waterborne diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in many developing nations. While current disinfection methods in water treatment effectively eliminate microbial pathogens, recent studies highlight a critical challenge: balancing effective disinfection with the prevention of harmful disinfection byproducts, which pose health risks of their own.
Driven by rapid advances in nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials for water disinfection has gained tremendous interest. These nanomaterials are proving to be exceptional for use as adsorbents, catalysts, and sensors in water treatment. Recent breakthroughs have revealed that certain natural and engineered nanomaterials possess strong antimicrobial properties, making them valuable tools in the fight against waterborne pathogens.
Our team is actively advancing research in this field by exploring innovative disinfection solutions for a range of water systems, including drinking water supplies, industrial water systems, and marine environments. Through this work, we aim to enhance water safety on a global scale, developing solutions that prioritise both effective pathogen elimination and minimised health risks, ultimately providing cleaner, safer water for communities worldwide.
Through our pioneering efforts, we are shaping a future where infections can be controlled with precision, innovation, and a deep commitment to public health resilience.
Back to: Feature