Polymers for Detection and Removal of Bacteria ("Woundpol")

This Project aims to develop novel polymers which can be incorporated into wound dressings for the detection and prevention of infection. Infection of Chronic wounds and burns are a significant economic burden to the Healthcare system and cause patients to be unwell and in some cases risk limb amputation or death. The polymers and dressings being developed here will bind to bacteria and remove them from the wound and will also lead to a colour change that can be seen by the doctor and allow them to understand when the wound is infected. It is also intended to develop an electronic reader so that the colour change can be measured and quantified. Ultimately use of the outputs from this project may also lead to the need to use fewer antibiotics which is vital as bacteria become increasingly resistant to their use.