Research

Bioinspired antimicrobials

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent broad spectrum antimicrobial and part of the body’s defense mechanism that is activated by inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) which are responding to invading pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. NO can kill bacteria with several different mechanisms, which means that it is very difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. NO has also been shown to have activity against both planktonic (free floating) bacteria and biofilms (adhered bacteria), the latter of which are notoriously difficult to treat due to the presence of an exopolysaccharide matrix that is resistant to penetration.
This is a major research stream in our laboratory and we have developed nitric oxide releasing platforms (nanoparticles, gels, nanofibers, surfaces) for treating infections in the eye, skin and bone.

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are produced by all complex organisms as well as some microbes as part of innate immune response, and display diverse and complex antimicrobial activities against a broad range of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria( including those that are resistant to established antibiotic drug therapies), mycobacteria, enveloped viruses, parasites and fungi. They have gained increasing popularity as a possible alternative to antibiotics due to their broad spectrum activity, low toxicity and most importantly their low tendency to induce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We have developed antimicrobial surfaces which have been tethered with AMPs and AMP-loaded nanogels and 3D printed devices for the treatment of antibiotic resistant infections.

Metals have served as antimicrobial agents for a very long time, yet for most of history, their mechanisms of action have been shrouded in mystery. Recent research suggests that various metals inflict specific and separate forms of harm on microbial cells, such as oxidative stress, protein malfunction, or damage to the cell membrane. We have developed silver and copper doped materials that have shown excellent efficacy for the treatment of drug resistant infections.

Bioinspired antimicrobials

Biomanufacturing of antimicrobial drug delivery platforms

Healthcare-acquired infections (HCAI) can develop as a result of healthcare interventions such as medical or surgical treatment, or from the interactions with healthcare staff and facilities. The ability to treat these infections is becoming increasingly problematic as the overuse of antibiotics to date has caused common pathogenic microorganisms to develop mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The rapid spread of these drug resistant microorganisms has caused traditional antimicrobial agents to become less effective. Chronic infections require long term therapeutic solutions and drug delivery devices that can be implanted or used as patches have the potential to reduce to deliver the dose of the drug in a sustained and controlled manner over extended periods, while eliminating the risk of patient non-compliance in taking oral medications. Moreover, these site-specific implantation techniques can circumvent systemic toxicity issues and result in a higher concentration of drug at the target site.

There are several implantable drug delivery devices on the market today, however these are manufactured using non-biodegradable polymers which would need surgical removal once the reservoir is exhausted. The use of biodegradable polymers would bypass the requirement for surgical removal. Manufacturing processes such as 3D printing and electrospinning are promising in the development of highly controlled formulations which can be individualised to specific patients.

We have developed nitric oxide (NO) releasing electrospun dressings, hydrogels and nanoparticles, antimicrobial peptide loaded gels and 3D printed materials for the controlled and sustained delivery of antimicrobial to the site of the infections.

Biomanufacturing of antimicrobial drug delivery platforms

Nanomaterials for infection control in water systems

The introduction of sand filtration and chlorine disinfection marked the end of waterborne epidemics in the developed world over a century ago. Nevertheless, unexpected surges in waterborne disease outbreaks persist. Globally, in many developing nations, waterborne diseases continue to be the primary cause of death. While the current disinfection methods employed in drinking water treatment can effectively manage microbial pathogens, recent research has unveiled a conundrum: a conflict between effective disinfection and the creation of harmful disinfection byproducts. The rapid advancements in nanotechnology have ignited substantial interest in employing nanomaterials for water disinfection. These nanomaterials, owing to their large surface area and high reactivity, prove to be exceptional adsorbents, catalysts, and sensors. More recently, various natural and engineered nanomaterials have also demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties.

We are currently investigating disinfection of water systems including drinking water supplies, industrial water systems and marine applications

Nanomaterials for infection control in water systems

Research grants

KTP withFeedwater Ltd

FEEDWATER LTD, INNOVATE UK (UK)

January 2025 - January 2028