Formulatiion of PHMB-based nanoparticles for targetted killing of Zoonotic fungi
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal Veterinary College
Department Name: Pathobiology and Population Sciences
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Liam Good (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Winnie Ntow-Boahene (Student) |
Publications
Ntow-Boahene W
(2022)
Fungal cell barriers and organelles are disrupted by Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)
Ntow-Boahene W
(2023)
Fungal cell barriers and organelles are disrupted by polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)
in Scientific Reports
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M009513/1 | 30/09/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1906777 | Studentship | BB/M009513/1 | 30/09/2017 | 29/06/2022 | Winnie Ntow-Boahene |
| Description | I developed 2 antifungal nanoformulations that have been shown to be stable over 6 months. These formulations also show superior antifungal effect when cultured with fungi and show superior killing over 24 hrs when compared to exisitng antifungals. They also do not display any significant toxicity when compared to existing antifungals. I have modified a bacterial keratitis model into a fungi keratitis model. This involves infecting pig corneas with fungi and has allowed me to test the ability of these antifungal nanoformualtions to reverse infections to recover the corneas to prevent further damage in the disease state. |
| Exploitation Route | Fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus and Trichophyton geni also show acquired resistance to current first line antifungals (Azoles, Eichinocandins and Polyenes). The general increase in fungal infections and antifungal resistance, combined with the slow development of new antifungals suggests a significant social and economic impact in the future. Economically, an increase in fungal morbidity results in a size reduction of global workforce and productivity. Modelled projections of unresolved AMR, which includes resistance to antifungals, by the World Bank Group and the O'Neill report suggest a global economic crisis by 2050 with no relief due to increased costs of antimicrobials. To avoid the future of antifungals becoming as bleak as antibiotics, the use of newly developed antifungals should be measured wit bch national policies to maintain their efficiency. This is a collaborative project supported by an industrial partner (BBT), who are experienced in taking drugs from initial ideas through to the market place. As BBT possesses an established pipeline for this purpose, the potential impact for successful antifungal nanoformulations is substantial with access to the global commercial market. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Communities and Social Services/Policy Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | Ex vivo Cornea fungal keratitis model with SCARAB (Sheffield Collaboratorium for Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilms) |
| Organisation | University of Sheffield |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I aim to develop an ex vivo fungal keratitis model in order to test different newly improved anti fungal treatment options for improved efficacy. |
| Collaborator Contribution | I was on placement for 3 months from 7th July - 7th September 2019 to learn the techniques of developing an ex vivo cornea model. This included cornea excision and the principles of infection. |
| Impact | Ex vivo fungal keratitis model |
| Start Year | 2019 |