Novel Endolysin to Selectively Manage Antimicrobial Resistant S. aureus in Wound Biofilms

The purpose of this PhD studentship is to determine the contribution of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) S. aureus to skin ageing and chronic wounds, alongside testing the selectivity and efficacy of a novel S. aureus-targeted endolysin technology for the management of AMR S. aureus skin/wound infections. The PhD project will involve analysis of patient samples, alongside detailed mechanistic experiments carried out within the groups of Dr Wilkinson/Prof Hardman and Prof Thomas. The student will also undertake an industry placement with Cica Biomedical to assist with important pre-clinical studies. This PhD project relates to a program of work investigating novel endolysins with Micreos Pharma (£400K direct funding over last 2 years), and previous grants from the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (FTMA and POC awards 2021-2022) that have generated important pilot data for this studentship. A match-funded studentship has also been supported by the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School, which will closely align to the NBIC studentship.