Project title is Novel Antimicrobial peptides for local wound sepsis control.
Dressings play an important role in wound management, but many antimicrobial dressings suffer from local cytotoxicity, and lack of penetrance and efficacy, whilst the use of systemic antibiotics should be minimised to limit the emergence of resistant pathogens. Silver dressings, the dominant type of antimicrobial dressing products, have shown mixed clinical outcomes. Studies also indicate that silver ions and nanoparticles are cytotoxic, can cause localised tissue staining, are expensive and non-renewable, therefore imposing an environmental burden. Negative pressure wound therapy, used in conjunction with debridement, is difficult to apply, and requires specialist training and expensive equipment. This situation highlights the urgent need for novel approaches.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an emergent technology platform which are cost-effective to manufacture and have potential to control wound infection. Despite AMPs demonstrating high efficacy against several pathogenic microorganisms, a gap remains in demonstrating their potency against wound pathogens, especially antibiotic-resistant strains. This project will 1) develop a hydrofibre based dressing loaded with AMP and perform confirmatory spectrum-of-efficacy studies using established wound models; and 2) compile a robust regulatory package including in vivo toxicology, biodistribution, safety and efficacy and 3) develop our intellectual property and commercial engagement strategy. The PDRA’s work will represent the focus of the project team by spearheading the new hydrofibre dressing development with AMP release function and coorodinating activities covered in Objectives 2 and 3.

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