Responsive polymers combined with antibiofilm complexes for the treatment of wounds

This project is a collaboration between the 5D Health Protection Group Ltd and the University of Bradford. The research and development collaboration will enable the development of state-of-the-art bioresponsive polymeric nanotherapeutic molecules which respond to changes in the wound environment, linked to elevated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels. Increased level of MMPs correlate to biofilm infections. The controlled release of antibiofilm compounds can be applied to wound dressing platforms for enhancing clinical wound management. Elevated MMPs and biofilms are a concern in non-healing wounds and increase the risk of infection. Furthermore,presently used interventions are not responsive to wound changes and do not have antibiofilm ability. There is thus a major customer and commercial need, which this project will address. This project will involve the development of a responsive polymer which reacts to levels of MMPs leading to the release of antibiofilm complexes for maximum impact and reduced hospital costs by enhancing NHS turnaround. Presently such technologies do not exist in the market so this innovation will create a smart detection and responsive polymer combined innovative antibiofilm complexes for the treatment of biofilms in non-healing wounds.