A novel method for the development of antibacterial polymeric surfaces for skin-crossing devices

Overview

https://research.qut.edu.au/cbt/https://research.qut.edu.au/cbt/

Strong knowledge and interest in biomaterials and biomaterial/cell interactions, strong hands-on laboratory skills,

Research engagement

In 2019, the World Health Organization emphasized antimicrobial resistance as a top global health threat due to antibiotic overuse, necessitating alternative pathways to prevent infection. Medical implants, especially percutaneous (skin-crossing) devices like urinary catheters, face infection rates as high as 30%. These percutaneous devices are mainly made of polymers. Besides these devices, polymers have been used in diverse medical devices, including bone/dental implants, vascular prostheses, and heart valves, for which an infection rate of 0.1-6% has been reported. Developing mechano-bactericidal nanostructured surfaces on the implants has proved an efficient pathway to reduce the growth of bacteria. However, current mechano-bactericidal techniques are mostly limited to 2D surfaces and metals. We have developed, through a project funded by Stryker, a novel 3D technique for polymers, potentially patent-worthy and versatile for various polymeric surfaces. We have shown the efficacy of the technique for polylactic acid (PLA). However, it's untested on polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in skin-crossing devices. This project aims to apply this technique to PU and PET, aiming to curb infections, reduce antibiotic dependency, and alleviate healthcare costs. By creating nanostructured bactericidal surfaces on these materials, we seek to enhance patient quality of life and lessen the healthcare financial burden on individuals, companies, and the government.

Research activities

The student will work with me (Dr Mohammad Mirkhalaf),  Dr Amal Ishantha Senevirathne, Assoc. Prof. Laura Bray, and our PhD student, Buddhika Naidelage.

She/he will:

• Modify the novel manufacturing technology that Buddhika is developing for PLA fo another polymer polyurethane (PU).
• Perform the cell culture studies to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy and biocompatibility of the resuting PU constructs.

Outcomes

Bactericidal PU constructs used for percutaneous devices.

Start date

1 November, 2024

End date

28 February, 2025

Location

Initially, mostly at GP for the fabrication of the implants and physical characterization and then at KG for the biological testing.

Keywords

• percutaneous (skin-crossing) devices
• antibacterial coatings
• antibiotic resistance

Contact

Mohammad Mirkhalaf (mohammad.mirkhalaf@qut.edu.au)