10042853Antibacterial wound dressings activated with tuned nanocomposites through the electrophoretic deposition techniquesClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKShimyaTech (ST) has developed an innovative technology for the attachment of nanofilms on solid supports for medical usage to combat the growing impact of bacterial biofilms and wound infections. With the reported sharp increases in the demand for wound care dressing products, anticipated to further extend due to the increased figures of varied incidents (from road to caesarean procedures, etc.), the innovation will offer a new generation of safer and more cost-efficient products which will induce investment, economic growth and vast benefits to public health and its costs. Our technology, built on the application of tuned nanomaterial composites attached to solid surfaces, has proven strong features to use as coating on medical devices including wound dressings. This will be a major step in prevention of the spread of infection, which incurs major costs to NHS up to £1bn per year. We have overcome key challenges in applying nanoparticles including prevention of the escape of nanoparticles and their release to the environment, which can have a detrimental effect on patient health. In this project, we aim to demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of our developed technology application in wound dressing products, and also how we can take it to markets. Some critical steps are required to take at a fast pace to prepare the technology for commercialisation and introduction to markets. We will pursue the project by forming a strong consortium to lead the scaling up of the technology and launch industrial application at wound dressing manufacturing firms. Study of market requirements and regulations for commercialisation of the technology and the prototyped wound dressings will be investigated. Public awareness and educational contents will be produced and disseminated as outcomes from the project.