About
The mission of our group is to tackle one of the biggest societal challenges we are facing globally: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause disease evolve to become resistant to antimicrobials. This makes infections more difficult to treat and increases the risk and severity of diseases. AMR affects all countries and regions, but its consequences are most felt in low and middle income countries and are exacerbated by inequality.
Antibiotic overuse and misuse in healthcare and agricultural sectors have lead to the surge in AMR. AMR has caused 1.27 million directly and 5 million associated deaths annually worldwide. By the year 2050, it has been predicted that the global deaths caused by antimicrobial resistant infections will exceed 10 million people per annum, if no measures are taken. These dire statistic emphasise the urgent need to develop alternative approaches to fight off drug resistant microorganisms.
We also work with alternatives to antimicrobials such as nitric oxide, antimicrobial peptides, chemicals and metals. We have developed nitric oxide releasing materials such as: contact lenses to target microbial keratitis, coatings for titanium implant to target orthopedic infections, surface coatings for PPE to reduce spread of hospital acquired infections and electrospun bandages for the treatment of skin wound infections. We have also developed antimicrobial peptide loaded nanogels and 3D printed hydrogels that can be used to treat skin infections. We are developing electrospun nanofibrous materials and 3D printed patches that are loaded with quaternary ammonium compounds for use in dental/oral/maxillofacial applications.
We are also interested in water treatment and purification. Biofouling is a significant issue for water treatment (drinking water and industrial water) and marine applications. We have developed engineering nanomaterials for treatment of drinking water and water systems.
New agents which have innovative approaches to targeting microorganisms are desperately needed to tackle this public health crisis. In our lab we work with developing new antimicrobials that will not lead to microorganism developing AMR and new advanced materials platforms to deliver these antimicrobials effectively.
Our research areas include:
1. Bioinspired antimicrobials
2. Biomanufacturing of antimicrobial drug delivery vehicles
3. Nanomaterials for infection control in water systems.
Prizes or Honours
- Buhle Endowment Fellowship (Johns Hopkins University, 2002)
- Arthur D. Chambers Memorial Fellowship (Johns Hopkins University, 2002)