Development of dual-functional antibacterial and antifungal polymers to prevent medical device-associated infections

About the Project

Medical device-related fungal infections caused by Candida spp., e.g., in urinary catheters, account for 17.8% of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, posing significant health risks, especially in individuals with compromised immunity. Antifungal treatments are often delayed or ineffective due to the growing issue of antifungal resistance, such as azole-resistant Candida. Currently, no catheter coating can effectively combat both bacterial and fungal infections, underscoring the need for the development of a novel multifunctional coating to address these challenges.

Over recent years, our research has focused on screening coating materials with intrinsic antifouling properties against bacterial biofilms and host proteins. Building on previous findings that confirmed the efficacy of zwitterionic-based copolymers, we have recently developed a range of multifunctional polymers with the potential to replace conventional hydrogels and antimicrobial coatings to inhibit both bacterial biofilm formation and fungal attachment effectively. In this project, we aim to further screen and apply these materials to medical devices to combat complex infections caused by both bacteria and fungi.

This project will provide experience in materials science, microbiology, immunology, and mathematical modelling. The candidate will benefit from broad training in materials science, organic chemistry, microbiology, inflammatory science, characterization techniques, and surface fouling assay techniques. Presentation, writing and interpersonal skills will be developed. The student will also have access to a wide range of training opportunities provided by the university's graduate school programme.

Relevant links / more information

• http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/
• http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/

Keywords for search filters

infection; surface; coating; biofilm; polymer; hydrogel