National Biofilms Innovation Centre NBIC 2021 Flexible Talent Mobility Account

Lead Research Organisation: University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences

Abstract

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description The FTMA award is very attractive for inter academic and industry collaborations. NBIC was able to award 34 quality projects for placements and fellowships. Half of them have completed despite of the hardships of the Pandemic. Successful results included further funding, publication, and job creation. Scientific accomplishment include biological solutions for green and clean production and energy saving methodology, by collaboration between biocoating researcher from University of Surrey and a biological solutions company working together to make waste water treatment less energy intensive by introducing specific biocoating for wastewater treatments facilities. The collaboration is exploring further development of the project into actual products and industrial applications.
Exploitation Route The award was very well received across NBIC's wide network of researchers and companies, and led to efficient pairing of unmet industry needs with research expertise.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink,Chemicals,Education,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
URL http://www.biofilms.ac.uk
 
Description The impacts from this FTMA award are all reported in the return for BBSRC NBIC (BB/R012415/1)
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
Impact Types Societal,Economic
 
Description Assessment of Nanocin in UTI co-Biofilms (Isabelle Papandronicou)
Amount £12,000 (GBP)
Organisation University College London 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 02/2023 
End 04/2023
 
Description Biofilms ICURe Sprint (Pavlina Theodosiou)
Amount £20,000 (GBP)
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre 
Sector Private
Start 05/2022 
End 08/2022
 
Description ICURe Follow-on funding - Collaboration & Licensing Training (Pavlina Theodosiou)
Amount £12,570 (GBP)
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre 
Sector Private
Start 09/2022 
End 12/2022
 
Description PhD "Novel Endolysin to Selectively Manage Antimicrobial Resistant S. aureus in Wound Biofilms"
Amount £101,356 (GBP)
Funding ID CTP_22_0000000010 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre 
Sector Private
Start 01/2023 
End 01/2027
 
Title Model reactor and culture system for biofilm metrology studies. 
Description We have developed a CDC reactor model system for Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture in order to carry out studies of biofilm reproducibility in partnership with LGC. 
Type Of Material Technology assay or reagent 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Knowledge exchange and collaborative work in the area of biofilm metrology with industry partner LGC. 
 
Description Clinical collaboration with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (Mohamed El Mohtadi) 
Organisation Manchester Metropolitan University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Securing the FTMA has allowed me to strengthen my collaboration with 5D Health Protection Group Ltd and Manchester Metropolitan University which resulted in me obtaining a Visiting Lecturer position at MMU. The in vitro work carried out during the fellowship has attracted clinical collaborations as we are now replicating the experiments using clinical samples obtained from Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust operated Salford Royal Hospital.
Collaborator Contribution The role of collaborators (i.e. Dr Ashworth) involves the conceptualisation of project ideas and supervision of students. This will ultimately lead to increased research outcomes and the publication of several original research articles in the near future.
Impact Submission of a grant bid to the Academy of Medical Sciences. The application is currently under review.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Clinical collaboration with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (Mohamed El Mohtadi) 
Organisation Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Securing the FTMA has allowed me to strengthen my collaboration with 5D Health Protection Group Ltd and Manchester Metropolitan University which resulted in me obtaining a Visiting Lecturer position at MMU. The in vitro work carried out during the fellowship has attracted clinical collaborations as we are now replicating the experiments using clinical samples obtained from Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust operated Salford Royal Hospital.
Collaborator Contribution The role of collaborators (i.e. Dr Ashworth) involves the conceptualisation of project ideas and supervision of students. This will ultimately lead to increased research outcomes and the publication of several original research articles in the near future.
Impact Submission of a grant bid to the Academy of Medical Sciences. The application is currently under review.
Start Year 2020
 
Description Industry partnership with LGC 
Organisation Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution LGC Group, formerly the Laboratory of the Government Chemist, is an international life sciences measurement and tools company. It provides the role and duties of the UK Government Chemist, a statutory role and adviser to the government. We are working together in the metrology of biofilms, to understand the feasibility of developing new standards for molecular and 'omics approaches to measuring biofilms. We are providing the biofilm models and culture systems in order to generate biological material for the studies.
Collaborator Contribution LGC are applying in-house analytical measurements and approaches in order to understand the variability and reproducibility of biofilm assays, and the feasibility to develop new standards.
Impact Knowledge exchange in use of the CDC biofilm reactor model and in biofilm metrology.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Intelligent Imaging Innovations, Inc. (3i) 
Organisation Intelligent Imaging Innovations Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution As a result of the BBSRC/NBIC funding (NBIC_FTMA_P_19_2_47 and NBIC_FTMA_20_IF_083) we have established a working relationship with 3i and now have a NBIC DTP iCASE studentship that will take forward promising results from these pump priming projects.
Collaborator Contribution 3i will provide access to advanced instrumentation and placment training for the iCASE student
Impact None to date
Start Year 2023
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_086 Developing cutting-edge "Biofilms adventures" for children and families. (JC Denis) 
Organisation Atorika
Country France 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Atorika is a French science engagement start-up, established 1.5 years ago. Currently, the start-up growth relies on the development and sales of science boxes for children, which are either sent regularly to their subscribers, or used in schools alongside an Atorika's employee. Longer term, the start-up will possess physical science centres which will host their activities. As an experienced creator of science activities for school-aged children, I will partner with Atorika to develop a series of science kits about biofilms. This is mutually beneficial for all parties: while Atorika will have access to my expertise, I will benefit from the experience of the team at Atorika, which includes another science outreach professional alongside graphic designers and virtual reality professionals - domains I currently have very little experience of, but which are central to the "Audience of the future" challenge highlighted in the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Longer terms, the activities and virtual reality assets developed could also be part of the science centres they will build. I will also gain a good understanding of the French outreach landscape and related challenges, and improve my professional practice, exploring new routes and techniques for my own work. The activities which I will develop with Atorika will engage around research conducted at NBIC, which covers the following challenges identified by the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund: Transforming food production and leading-edge healthcare. We have identified that these challenges, addressed by some of NBIC research, are particularly relevant to engage the public with. NBIC will benefit from using virtual reality and other modern digital engagement techniques, a capacity that NBIC does not currently have access to. Working with the Atorika team will enable to develop better activities, and will enable to deploy NBIC reach more internationally, with new activities blending "traditional" and technological approaches thanks to Atorika's expertise.
Collaborator Contribution We will develop a series of 10 activity boxes ("one adventure", in Atorika's terminology) which will be ready to be produced at scale at the end of the mobility. These science activities will include virtual reality or other contemporary digital tools to increase the user's experience. I have very little experience of these technologies and will learn how to include them successfully alongside more traditional science activities. The activities will be produced in both French and English, enabling a wider international exposure of them and the work undertaken by NBIC. I do not have experience of producing science activities for a commercial purpose; this will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about commercialising my skills, in addition to discovering how a small start-up company operates. Most of the work will be conducted remotely, from the UK, but we will test the developed resources in schools both in the UK and in France. In the future, as the start-up develops, following its business plans, which includes the opening of science centres across the whole French territory, collaboration would be very desirable. We could also imagine replicating a possible similar model in the UK. The activities developed will be used by NBIC once the mobility is over, through the NBIC outreach and public engagement programme (which I coordinate), leaving a long-lasting product, featuring innovative engagement technologies, with the potential to reach thousands of school aged children and their families, raise science aspirations and engage them with NBIC research and some of the Industry Strategy Challenges. University of Edinburgh: Development of company and products, and activities for NBIC. Atorika: Providing tools for creating outreach activities to do at home.
Impact I developed two new activities boxes, and reviewed and adapted 5 of their existing activities. I provided input on the overall company strategy, including the overall content of the boxes, the communication strategy, the design, their app, etc. The outcomes are quite different from what was originally planned as most collaborators left the company before or shortly after I started, and I also suffered from health issues the last two months of the grant. This means I did not achieve as much as I was hoping. However, I have now a much better sense of how to run a start-up company, how to make is successful, and how I could monetise my skills and expertise through commercialising my regular academic work. Next steps: I would like to keep developing further biofilms activities for the company, and also investigate how to setup a similar company in the UK through the University, or agree on a deal to be the UK branch of the French company. I would need help to understand what is required to do this.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_086 Developing cutting-edge "Biofilms adventures" for children and families. (JC Denis) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Atorika is a French science engagement start-up, established 1.5 years ago. Currently, the start-up growth relies on the development and sales of science boxes for children, which are either sent regularly to their subscribers, or used in schools alongside an Atorika's employee. Longer term, the start-up will possess physical science centres which will host their activities. As an experienced creator of science activities for school-aged children, I will partner with Atorika to develop a series of science kits about biofilms. This is mutually beneficial for all parties: while Atorika will have access to my expertise, I will benefit from the experience of the team at Atorika, which includes another science outreach professional alongside graphic designers and virtual reality professionals - domains I currently have very little experience of, but which are central to the "Audience of the future" challenge highlighted in the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Longer terms, the activities and virtual reality assets developed could also be part of the science centres they will build. I will also gain a good understanding of the French outreach landscape and related challenges, and improve my professional practice, exploring new routes and techniques for my own work. The activities which I will develop with Atorika will engage around research conducted at NBIC, which covers the following challenges identified by the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund: Transforming food production and leading-edge healthcare. We have identified that these challenges, addressed by some of NBIC research, are particularly relevant to engage the public with. NBIC will benefit from using virtual reality and other modern digital engagement techniques, a capacity that NBIC does not currently have access to. Working with the Atorika team will enable to develop better activities, and will enable to deploy NBIC reach more internationally, with new activities blending "traditional" and technological approaches thanks to Atorika's expertise.
Collaborator Contribution We will develop a series of 10 activity boxes ("one adventure", in Atorika's terminology) which will be ready to be produced at scale at the end of the mobility. These science activities will include virtual reality or other contemporary digital tools to increase the user's experience. I have very little experience of these technologies and will learn how to include them successfully alongside more traditional science activities. The activities will be produced in both French and English, enabling a wider international exposure of them and the work undertaken by NBIC. I do not have experience of producing science activities for a commercial purpose; this will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about commercialising my skills, in addition to discovering how a small start-up company operates. Most of the work will be conducted remotely, from the UK, but we will test the developed resources in schools both in the UK and in France. In the future, as the start-up develops, following its business plans, which includes the opening of science centres across the whole French territory, collaboration would be very desirable. We could also imagine replicating a possible similar model in the UK. The activities developed will be used by NBIC once the mobility is over, through the NBIC outreach and public engagement programme (which I coordinate), leaving a long-lasting product, featuring innovative engagement technologies, with the potential to reach thousands of school aged children and their families, raise science aspirations and engage them with NBIC research and some of the Industry Strategy Challenges. University of Edinburgh: Development of company and products, and activities for NBIC. Atorika: Providing tools for creating outreach activities to do at home.
Impact I developed two new activities boxes, and reviewed and adapted 5 of their existing activities. I provided input on the overall company strategy, including the overall content of the boxes, the communication strategy, the design, their app, etc. The outcomes are quite different from what was originally planned as most collaborators left the company before or shortly after I started, and I also suffered from health issues the last two months of the grant. This means I did not achieve as much as I was hoping. However, I have now a much better sense of how to run a start-up company, how to make is successful, and how I could monetise my skills and expertise through commercialising my regular academic work. Next steps: I would like to keep developing further biofilms activities for the company, and also investigate how to setup a similar company in the UK through the University, or agree on a deal to be the UK branch of the French company. I would need help to understand what is required to do this.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_086 Developing cutting-edge "Biofilms adventures" for children and families. (JC Denis) 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Atorika is a French science engagement start-up, established 1.5 years ago. Currently, the start-up growth relies on the development and sales of science boxes for children, which are either sent regularly to their subscribers, or used in schools alongside an Atorika's employee. Longer term, the start-up will possess physical science centres which will host their activities. As an experienced creator of science activities for school-aged children, I will partner with Atorika to develop a series of science kits about biofilms. This is mutually beneficial for all parties: while Atorika will have access to my expertise, I will benefit from the experience of the team at Atorika, which includes another science outreach professional alongside graphic designers and virtual reality professionals - domains I currently have very little experience of, but which are central to the "Audience of the future" challenge highlighted in the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Longer terms, the activities and virtual reality assets developed could also be part of the science centres they will build. I will also gain a good understanding of the French outreach landscape and related challenges, and improve my professional practice, exploring new routes and techniques for my own work. The activities which I will develop with Atorika will engage around research conducted at NBIC, which covers the following challenges identified by the Industry Strategy Challenge Fund: Transforming food production and leading-edge healthcare. We have identified that these challenges, addressed by some of NBIC research, are particularly relevant to engage the public with. NBIC will benefit from using virtual reality and other modern digital engagement techniques, a capacity that NBIC does not currently have access to. Working with the Atorika team will enable to develop better activities, and will enable to deploy NBIC reach more internationally, with new activities blending "traditional" and technological approaches thanks to Atorika's expertise.
Collaborator Contribution We will develop a series of 10 activity boxes ("one adventure", in Atorika's terminology) which will be ready to be produced at scale at the end of the mobility. These science activities will include virtual reality or other contemporary digital tools to increase the user's experience. I have very little experience of these technologies and will learn how to include them successfully alongside more traditional science activities. The activities will be produced in both French and English, enabling a wider international exposure of them and the work undertaken by NBIC. I do not have experience of producing science activities for a commercial purpose; this will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn about commercialising my skills, in addition to discovering how a small start-up company operates. Most of the work will be conducted remotely, from the UK, but we will test the developed resources in schools both in the UK and in France. In the future, as the start-up develops, following its business plans, which includes the opening of science centres across the whole French territory, collaboration would be very desirable. We could also imagine replicating a possible similar model in the UK. The activities developed will be used by NBIC once the mobility is over, through the NBIC outreach and public engagement programme (which I coordinate), leaving a long-lasting product, featuring innovative engagement technologies, with the potential to reach thousands of school aged children and their families, raise science aspirations and engage them with NBIC research and some of the Industry Strategy Challenges. University of Edinburgh: Development of company and products, and activities for NBIC. Atorika: Providing tools for creating outreach activities to do at home.
Impact I developed two new activities boxes, and reviewed and adapted 5 of their existing activities. I provided input on the overall company strategy, including the overall content of the boxes, the communication strategy, the design, their app, etc. The outcomes are quite different from what was originally planned as most collaborators left the company before or shortly after I started, and I also suffered from health issues the last two months of the grant. This means I did not achieve as much as I was hoping. However, I have now a much better sense of how to run a start-up company, how to make is successful, and how I could monetise my skills and expertise through commercialising my regular academic work. Next steps: I would like to keep developing further biofilms activities for the company, and also investigate how to setup a similar company in the UK through the University, or agree on a deal to be the UK branch of the French company. I would need help to understand what is required to do this.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_087 In situ AFM of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces. (Peng Bao) 
Organisation Bruker Corporation
Department Bruker (United Kingdom)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The search for new, functional antimicrobial surfaces is becoming more urgent as prevention of biofilms becomes an underpinning strategy for preventing biofilms that are implicated in AMR and significant economic costs across multiple industry sectors. Bioinspired materials and surfaces are emerging as an important class of antimicrobial surfaces. In this research, we will utilize the self-assembly of proteins to form a novel kind of well-controlled, nanostructured, and bio-compatible surface with antimicrobial functions. This smart surface will help us fight against the increasing threats from antibiotic resistance of bacteria, aligning well with the NBIC themes to prevent biofilms. This research fits well to the priorities outlined within the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) - developing a leading-edge healthcare solution. However, knowledge based discovery of successful systems requires two-fold ambitions: (i) imaging and probing the nature and performance of this surfaces in in situ environments, i.e. the liquid phase, and (ii) mapping the actual interaction of bacterial cells with these surfaces. This placement will enable the applicant to work with the leading instrument company in this field to optimise operating instrumental conditions to enable us to operate our AFM instruments at the highest levels. With the support from this fellowship, I will collaborate closely with Bruker. With their experience and expertise in AFM, I will be able to speed up the progress of my research and train other researchers in the group. I will also learn how to collaborate effectively/ productively with industry partners. This will help me establish a new or long-term collaborative relationship with industry partners. By leading this collaborative project, I will also gain/enhance my communication, leadership, and project management skills. All of these will benefit greatly my career development. This could be an essential step for me to enter the next stage as an independent researcher.
Collaborator Contribution With the support of the fellowship, I will further enhance my skills in the use of Bruker AFM, especially in the area of high-resolution in situ imaging of biological systems in the liquid. I will also get good training on the single-molecule force spectrum measurement with Bio-AFM. This exchange will not only improve my experimental skills in AFM but also will benefit other AFM users in our Surface Science Research Centre by bringing back new experimental skills/knowledge from our industry partner - Bruker. My expertise in many fields such as biophysics, microfluidics, biosensors, and antimicrobial surfaces will also benefit my collaborator in Bruker, by inspiring them to find wider applications of AFM in new research areas and open up market opportunities. In this secondment, I will collaborate with the researchers in Bruker to enable high level instrument operation to enable my project on "Probing microbial interaction at nanofabricated smart surfaces". Clear objectives are identified. In objective (1), we will study the self assembly/ dissociation of S-layer proteins at a liquid-solid interface using AFM. As S-layer proteins could be the target of many antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, this research will help improve the efficiency of these drugs. The important part of objective (1) is to optimise experimental parameters of our AFM instrument to realize the high-resolution imaging in-situ. In objective (2), we will use bio-AFM technique to study the interaction between the S-layer and the surface of a bacterial cell and will benefit us in the design of novel, bio-inspired, and smart antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces. This research will provide critical proof-of-concept data for a new grant application on anti-biofouling, which has a wide societal and economic impact.
Impact Achievements: 1) We have improved the quality of high-resolution images of 2D crystal of membrane protein (Bacteriorhodopsin), especially in the high-eigenmode tapping, a mode we used for imaging membrane proteins in liquid for the first time. These results have been drafted as a paper and will be submitted soon to the appropriate journal, such as J of Biophysics or APL. This ability is also very important for the following studies in our main project employing S-layer protein 2D crystals. The new high-eigenmode tapping mode we demonstrated here will benefit researchers in the AFM community who are working on high-resolution imaging of biological samples in an aqueous environment. 2) We have upgraded our multimode AFM by introducing a new noise isolation box, which will facilitate the following research of our projects, as well as other projects in our lab that need AFM. 3) We have developed a robust cleaning protocol for AFM tips used for imaging in liquid. Future work: In the next step, we will start the self-assembly of S-layer proteins onto various substrates and image them using AFM, TEM, and STM. We will also try to modify the surface properties of S-layer protein arrays and use them as an antimicrobial surface to prevent the formation of biofilms. We will continue to collaborate with Bruker on our project. Further finance support is welcomed. With the success of the project, we might need further support in the commercialization of our technology.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_087 In situ AFM of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces. (Peng Bao) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The search for new, functional antimicrobial surfaces is becoming more urgent as prevention of biofilms becomes an underpinning strategy for preventing biofilms that are implicated in AMR and significant economic costs across multiple industry sectors. Bioinspired materials and surfaces are emerging as an important class of antimicrobial surfaces. In this research, we will utilize the self-assembly of proteins to form a novel kind of well-controlled, nanostructured, and bio-compatible surface with antimicrobial functions. This smart surface will help us fight against the increasing threats from antibiotic resistance of bacteria, aligning well with the NBIC themes to prevent biofilms. This research fits well to the priorities outlined within the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) - developing a leading-edge healthcare solution. However, knowledge based discovery of successful systems requires two-fold ambitions: (i) imaging and probing the nature and performance of this surfaces in in situ environments, i.e. the liquid phase, and (ii) mapping the actual interaction of bacterial cells with these surfaces. This placement will enable the applicant to work with the leading instrument company in this field to optimise operating instrumental conditions to enable us to operate our AFM instruments at the highest levels. With the support from this fellowship, I will collaborate closely with Bruker. With their experience and expertise in AFM, I will be able to speed up the progress of my research and train other researchers in the group. I will also learn how to collaborate effectively/ productively with industry partners. This will help me establish a new or long-term collaborative relationship with industry partners. By leading this collaborative project, I will also gain/enhance my communication, leadership, and project management skills. All of these will benefit greatly my career development. This could be an essential step for me to enter the next stage as an independent researcher.
Collaborator Contribution With the support of the fellowship, I will further enhance my skills in the use of Bruker AFM, especially in the area of high-resolution in situ imaging of biological systems in the liquid. I will also get good training on the single-molecule force spectrum measurement with Bio-AFM. This exchange will not only improve my experimental skills in AFM but also will benefit other AFM users in our Surface Science Research Centre by bringing back new experimental skills/knowledge from our industry partner - Bruker. My expertise in many fields such as biophysics, microfluidics, biosensors, and antimicrobial surfaces will also benefit my collaborator in Bruker, by inspiring them to find wider applications of AFM in new research areas and open up market opportunities. In this secondment, I will collaborate with the researchers in Bruker to enable high level instrument operation to enable my project on "Probing microbial interaction at nanofabricated smart surfaces". Clear objectives are identified. In objective (1), we will study the self assembly/ dissociation of S-layer proteins at a liquid-solid interface using AFM. As S-layer proteins could be the target of many antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, this research will help improve the efficiency of these drugs. The important part of objective (1) is to optimise experimental parameters of our AFM instrument to realize the high-resolution imaging in-situ. In objective (2), we will use bio-AFM technique to study the interaction between the S-layer and the surface of a bacterial cell and will benefit us in the design of novel, bio-inspired, and smart antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces. This research will provide critical proof-of-concept data for a new grant application on anti-biofouling, which has a wide societal and economic impact.
Impact Achievements: 1) We have improved the quality of high-resolution images of 2D crystal of membrane protein (Bacteriorhodopsin), especially in the high-eigenmode tapping, a mode we used for imaging membrane proteins in liquid for the first time. These results have been drafted as a paper and will be submitted soon to the appropriate journal, such as J of Biophysics or APL. This ability is also very important for the following studies in our main project employing S-layer protein 2D crystals. The new high-eigenmode tapping mode we demonstrated here will benefit researchers in the AFM community who are working on high-resolution imaging of biological samples in an aqueous environment. 2) We have upgraded our multimode AFM by introducing a new noise isolation box, which will facilitate the following research of our projects, as well as other projects in our lab that need AFM. 3) We have developed a robust cleaning protocol for AFM tips used for imaging in liquid. Future work: In the next step, we will start the self-assembly of S-layer proteins onto various substrates and image them using AFM, TEM, and STM. We will also try to modify the surface properties of S-layer protein arrays and use them as an antimicrobial surface to prevent the formation of biofilms. We will continue to collaborate with Bruker on our project. Further finance support is welcomed. With the success of the project, we might need further support in the commercialization of our technology.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA Fellowship 21_IF_087 In situ AFM of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Surfaces. (Peng Bao) 
Organisation University of Liverpool
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The search for new, functional antimicrobial surfaces is becoming more urgent as prevention of biofilms becomes an underpinning strategy for preventing biofilms that are implicated in AMR and significant economic costs across multiple industry sectors. Bioinspired materials and surfaces are emerging as an important class of antimicrobial surfaces. In this research, we will utilize the self-assembly of proteins to form a novel kind of well-controlled, nanostructured, and bio-compatible surface with antimicrobial functions. This smart surface will help us fight against the increasing threats from antibiotic resistance of bacteria, aligning well with the NBIC themes to prevent biofilms. This research fits well to the priorities outlined within the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) - developing a leading-edge healthcare solution. However, knowledge based discovery of successful systems requires two-fold ambitions: (i) imaging and probing the nature and performance of this surfaces in in situ environments, i.e. the liquid phase, and (ii) mapping the actual interaction of bacterial cells with these surfaces. This placement will enable the applicant to work with the leading instrument company in this field to optimise operating instrumental conditions to enable us to operate our AFM instruments at the highest levels. With the support from this fellowship, I will collaborate closely with Bruker. With their experience and expertise in AFM, I will be able to speed up the progress of my research and train other researchers in the group. I will also learn how to collaborate effectively/ productively with industry partners. This will help me establish a new or long-term collaborative relationship with industry partners. By leading this collaborative project, I will also gain/enhance my communication, leadership, and project management skills. All of these will benefit greatly my career development. This could be an essential step for me to enter the next stage as an independent researcher.
Collaborator Contribution With the support of the fellowship, I will further enhance my skills in the use of Bruker AFM, especially in the area of high-resolution in situ imaging of biological systems in the liquid. I will also get good training on the single-molecule force spectrum measurement with Bio-AFM. This exchange will not only improve my experimental skills in AFM but also will benefit other AFM users in our Surface Science Research Centre by bringing back new experimental skills/knowledge from our industry partner - Bruker. My expertise in many fields such as biophysics, microfluidics, biosensors, and antimicrobial surfaces will also benefit my collaborator in Bruker, by inspiring them to find wider applications of AFM in new research areas and open up market opportunities. In this secondment, I will collaborate with the researchers in Bruker to enable high level instrument operation to enable my project on "Probing microbial interaction at nanofabricated smart surfaces". Clear objectives are identified. In objective (1), we will study the self assembly/ dissociation of S-layer proteins at a liquid-solid interface using AFM. As S-layer proteins could be the target of many antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, this research will help improve the efficiency of these drugs. The important part of objective (1) is to optimise experimental parameters of our AFM instrument to realize the high-resolution imaging in-situ. In objective (2), we will use bio-AFM technique to study the interaction between the S-layer and the surface of a bacterial cell and will benefit us in the design of novel, bio-inspired, and smart antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces. This research will provide critical proof-of-concept data for a new grant application on anti-biofouling, which has a wide societal and economic impact.
Impact Achievements: 1) We have improved the quality of high-resolution images of 2D crystal of membrane protein (Bacteriorhodopsin), especially in the high-eigenmode tapping, a mode we used for imaging membrane proteins in liquid for the first time. These results have been drafted as a paper and will be submitted soon to the appropriate journal, such as J of Biophysics or APL. This ability is also very important for the following studies in our main project employing S-layer protein 2D crystals. The new high-eigenmode tapping mode we demonstrated here will benefit researchers in the AFM community who are working on high-resolution imaging of biological samples in an aqueous environment. 2) We have upgraded our multimode AFM by introducing a new noise isolation box, which will facilitate the following research of our projects, as well as other projects in our lab that need AFM. 3) We have developed a robust cleaning protocol for AFM tips used for imaging in liquid. Future work: In the next step, we will start the self-assembly of S-layer proteins onto various substrates and image them using AFM, TEM, and STM. We will also try to modify the surface properties of S-layer protein arrays and use them as an antimicrobial surface to prevent the formation of biofilms. We will continue to collaborate with Bruker on our project. Further finance support is welcomed. With the success of the project, we might need further support in the commercialization of our technology.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_003 Understanding the antimicrobial efficacy of copper coatings on dry surface biofilms (Sandra Wilks) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution In this placement, the antimicrobial efficacy of the Copper Cover novel coatings on polymicrobial dry biofilms, including antiviral activity, will be investigated. The Copper Cover coating is intended for use on high touchpoint areas such as door handles, push plates and lift buttons - all of which are at risk of continuous contamination and could be impacted by dry biofilm development. The coatings show strong antimicrobial activity against both single species of bacterial and viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 but there have been no studies looking in detail at the action of antimicrobial copper against mixed, dry biofilms. In light of the pandemic and to improve infection prevention and control strategies, the efficacy on such complex communities needs to be understood. The study will test coated coupons against controls such as stainless steel, using simple batch testing and a drip flow reactor to generate dry surface biofilms against key bacterial pathogens such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also allow incorporation of viruses - using a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. The viability of these will be assessed using culture and imaging for bacterial pathogens, and a cell culture assay for the virus. This work will provide experience on standard testing as required for product development and evaluation. Throughout the researcher will be working alongside Copper Cover engineers and company representatives, who will provide commercial experience and insight into product design and improvement, this will include knowledge on market analysis and understanding on the challenges encountered in different markets; NHS, food production and other regulated industries.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_003 Understanding the antimicrobial efficacy of copper coatings on dry surface biofilms (Sandra Wilks) 
Organisation University of Southampton
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution In this placement, the antimicrobial efficacy of the Copper Cover novel coatings on polymicrobial dry biofilms, including antiviral activity, will be investigated. The Copper Cover coating is intended for use on high touchpoint areas such as door handles, push plates and lift buttons - all of which are at risk of continuous contamination and could be impacted by dry biofilm development. The coatings show strong antimicrobial activity against both single species of bacterial and viral pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 but there have been no studies looking in detail at the action of antimicrobial copper against mixed, dry biofilms. In light of the pandemic and to improve infection prevention and control strategies, the efficacy on such complex communities needs to be understood. The study will test coated coupons against controls such as stainless steel, using simple batch testing and a drip flow reactor to generate dry surface biofilms against key bacterial pathogens such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also allow incorporation of viruses - using a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. The viability of these will be assessed using culture and imaging for bacterial pathogens, and a cell culture assay for the virus. This work will provide experience on standard testing as required for product development and evaluation. Throughout the researcher will be working alongside Copper Cover engineers and company representatives, who will provide commercial experience and insight into product design and improvement, this will include knowledge on market analysis and understanding on the challenges encountered in different markets; NHS, food production and other regulated industries.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact None yet.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_004 Advanced imaging of biofilms formed by urinary tract infections: training and Nanocin technology evaluation (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most prevalent infections in humans and account for a significant global healthcare and economic burden. This is particularly true within an ageing society and therefore this project aligns to the UKRI's Industry Strategy challenge funds ageing society challenge. 25-35% of women suffering from a UTI will fail standard antibiotic treatment protocols. This, in part, can be explained by the well documented ability for uropathogens to form biofilms within bladder cells and on the surface of urinary catheters. In these circumstances, antibiotics are unable to penetrate and kill offending microbes leading to recurrent infections, hospitalisation and potentially sepsis. More efficacious treatments are desperately needed. Therefore, Tecrea is interested in applications of its innovative technology in the area of UTI control. Aims: 1. Imaging of biofilms, through training from the UCL team, with a Leica SP8 deconvolution super-resolution laser scanning confocal microscope. Static (fixed) and live imaging will be performed over a series of hours under physiological conditions. 2. Evaluate the morphological effects of Tecrea's Nanocin technology on biofilms formed by UTI pathogens, using clinical isolated and established in vitro biofilm models. Training provided by UCL in morphometric analysis using super resolution 3D image analysis using Leica LASX, Image pro 10 3D and FIJI (Comstat2). 3. Further develop the SME-academic collaboration, building on past successful collaboration. 4. Expand and develop my skill set. Personal Development: Completing the secondment will allow me to learn a range of novel imaging techniques and in vitro models for the assessment of biofilm morphology. This will further develop my technical skill set which I can apply in my work at Tecrea. Collaborating with UCL, the NHS and BIIG will enable me to expand my collaboration network as well as observing research from lab bench into a clinical setting.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Overall, uropathogenic E. coli biofilm was successfully grown and stained in vitro and visualised by CLSM. NanocinTM treatment was evaluated by CLSM of uropathogenic E. coli biofilm which has not previously been studied before. Results and conclusions: • NanocinTM penetrated uropathogenic E. coli biofilm at concentrations above the MIC. • NanocinTM inhibited growth of uropathogenic E. coli. • Greater NanocinTM-FITC fluorescence was observed in the apical surface of the biofilm compared with the basal surface. The secondment has helped my personal development as a research scientist. I have learnt new transferable skills such as confocal microscopy, developed my microbiological skills further and established new connections with the bladder infection and immunity group (BIIG) at the NHS Royal Free Hospital. The secondment has benefitted Tecrea Ltd by providing funding to research the viability of its NanocinTM technology in UTI treatment. The BIIG group have also benefitted from the secondment through developing a better understanding of biofilm formation in UTI with the potential for a new treatment method with further research. Future work: The work will be submitted for abstract and presentation conference calls to allow presentation of the work to the wider community. The established collaboration between Tecrea Ltd and the BIIG group at the NHS Royal Free Hospital will continue. With the collaboration we aim to continue the in vitro research to gain further insight into the NanocinTM technologies ability to kill uropathogens (including in other species such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus mirabilis and enterococcus spp.) as well as broaden our understanding of NanocinsTM mechanism of action. Further biofilm staining techniques will be utilized as well as minimum biofilm eradication concentrations calculated. Additional grant funding opportunities will be required to advance this work further which will be applied for by both parties in the collaboration.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_004 Advanced imaging of biofilms formed by urinary tract infections: training and Nanocin technology evaluation (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation Tecrea Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most prevalent infections in humans and account for a significant global healthcare and economic burden. This is particularly true within an ageing society and therefore this project aligns to the UKRI's Industry Strategy challenge funds ageing society challenge. 25-35% of women suffering from a UTI will fail standard antibiotic treatment protocols. This, in part, can be explained by the well documented ability for uropathogens to form biofilms within bladder cells and on the surface of urinary catheters. In these circumstances, antibiotics are unable to penetrate and kill offending microbes leading to recurrent infections, hospitalisation and potentially sepsis. More efficacious treatments are desperately needed. Therefore, Tecrea is interested in applications of its innovative technology in the area of UTI control. Aims: 1. Imaging of biofilms, through training from the UCL team, with a Leica SP8 deconvolution super-resolution laser scanning confocal microscope. Static (fixed) and live imaging will be performed over a series of hours under physiological conditions. 2. Evaluate the morphological effects of Tecrea's Nanocin technology on biofilms formed by UTI pathogens, using clinical isolated and established in vitro biofilm models. Training provided by UCL in morphometric analysis using super resolution 3D image analysis using Leica LASX, Image pro 10 3D and FIJI (Comstat2). 3. Further develop the SME-academic collaboration, building on past successful collaboration. 4. Expand and develop my skill set. Personal Development: Completing the secondment will allow me to learn a range of novel imaging techniques and in vitro models for the assessment of biofilm morphology. This will further develop my technical skill set which I can apply in my work at Tecrea. Collaborating with UCL, the NHS and BIIG will enable me to expand my collaboration network as well as observing research from lab bench into a clinical setting.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Overall, uropathogenic E. coli biofilm was successfully grown and stained in vitro and visualised by CLSM. NanocinTM treatment was evaluated by CLSM of uropathogenic E. coli biofilm which has not previously been studied before. Results and conclusions: • NanocinTM penetrated uropathogenic E. coli biofilm at concentrations above the MIC. • NanocinTM inhibited growth of uropathogenic E. coli. • Greater NanocinTM-FITC fluorescence was observed in the apical surface of the biofilm compared with the basal surface. The secondment has helped my personal development as a research scientist. I have learnt new transferable skills such as confocal microscopy, developed my microbiological skills further and established new connections with the bladder infection and immunity group (BIIG) at the NHS Royal Free Hospital. The secondment has benefitted Tecrea Ltd by providing funding to research the viability of its NanocinTM technology in UTI treatment. The BIIG group have also benefitted from the secondment through developing a better understanding of biofilm formation in UTI with the potential for a new treatment method with further research. Future work: The work will be submitted for abstract and presentation conference calls to allow presentation of the work to the wider community. The established collaboration between Tecrea Ltd and the BIIG group at the NHS Royal Free Hospital will continue. With the collaboration we aim to continue the in vitro research to gain further insight into the NanocinTM technologies ability to kill uropathogens (including in other species such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus mirabilis and enterococcus spp.) as well as broaden our understanding of NanocinsTM mechanism of action. Further biofilm staining techniques will be utilized as well as minimum biofilm eradication concentrations calculated. Additional grant funding opportunities will be required to advance this work further which will be applied for by both parties in the collaboration.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_004 Advanced imaging of biofilms formed by urinary tract infections: training and Nanocin technology evaluation (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most prevalent infections in humans and account for a significant global healthcare and economic burden. This is particularly true within an ageing society and therefore this project aligns to the UKRI's Industry Strategy challenge funds ageing society challenge. 25-35% of women suffering from a UTI will fail standard antibiotic treatment protocols. This, in part, can be explained by the well documented ability for uropathogens to form biofilms within bladder cells and on the surface of urinary catheters. In these circumstances, antibiotics are unable to penetrate and kill offending microbes leading to recurrent infections, hospitalisation and potentially sepsis. More efficacious treatments are desperately needed. Therefore, Tecrea is interested in applications of its innovative technology in the area of UTI control. Aims: 1. Imaging of biofilms, through training from the UCL team, with a Leica SP8 deconvolution super-resolution laser scanning confocal microscope. Static (fixed) and live imaging will be performed over a series of hours under physiological conditions. 2. Evaluate the morphological effects of Tecrea's Nanocin technology on biofilms formed by UTI pathogens, using clinical isolated and established in vitro biofilm models. Training provided by UCL in morphometric analysis using super resolution 3D image analysis using Leica LASX, Image pro 10 3D and FIJI (Comstat2). 3. Further develop the SME-academic collaboration, building on past successful collaboration. 4. Expand and develop my skill set. Personal Development: Completing the secondment will allow me to learn a range of novel imaging techniques and in vitro models for the assessment of biofilm morphology. This will further develop my technical skill set which I can apply in my work at Tecrea. Collaborating with UCL, the NHS and BIIG will enable me to expand my collaboration network as well as observing research from lab bench into a clinical setting.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Overall, uropathogenic E. coli biofilm was successfully grown and stained in vitro and visualised by CLSM. NanocinTM treatment was evaluated by CLSM of uropathogenic E. coli biofilm which has not previously been studied before. Results and conclusions: • NanocinTM penetrated uropathogenic E. coli biofilm at concentrations above the MIC. • NanocinTM inhibited growth of uropathogenic E. coli. • Greater NanocinTM-FITC fluorescence was observed in the apical surface of the biofilm compared with the basal surface. The secondment has helped my personal development as a research scientist. I have learnt new transferable skills such as confocal microscopy, developed my microbiological skills further and established new connections with the bladder infection and immunity group (BIIG) at the NHS Royal Free Hospital. The secondment has benefitted Tecrea Ltd by providing funding to research the viability of its NanocinTM technology in UTI treatment. The BIIG group have also benefitted from the secondment through developing a better understanding of biofilm formation in UTI with the potential for a new treatment method with further research. Future work: The work will be submitted for abstract and presentation conference calls to allow presentation of the work to the wider community. The established collaboration between Tecrea Ltd and the BIIG group at the NHS Royal Free Hospital will continue. With the collaboration we aim to continue the in vitro research to gain further insight into the NanocinTM technologies ability to kill uropathogens (including in other species such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus mirabilis and enterococcus spp.) as well as broaden our understanding of NanocinsTM mechanism of action. Further biofilm staining techniques will be utilized as well as minimum biofilm eradication concentrations calculated. Additional grant funding opportunities will be required to advance this work further which will be applied for by both parties in the collaboration.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_004 Advanced imaging of biofilms formed by urinary tract infections: training and Nanocin technology evaluation (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation Whittington Health NHS Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most prevalent infections in humans and account for a significant global healthcare and economic burden. This is particularly true within an ageing society and therefore this project aligns to the UKRI's Industry Strategy challenge funds ageing society challenge. 25-35% of women suffering from a UTI will fail standard antibiotic treatment protocols. This, in part, can be explained by the well documented ability for uropathogens to form biofilms within bladder cells and on the surface of urinary catheters. In these circumstances, antibiotics are unable to penetrate and kill offending microbes leading to recurrent infections, hospitalisation and potentially sepsis. More efficacious treatments are desperately needed. Therefore, Tecrea is interested in applications of its innovative technology in the area of UTI control. Aims: 1. Imaging of biofilms, through training from the UCL team, with a Leica SP8 deconvolution super-resolution laser scanning confocal microscope. Static (fixed) and live imaging will be performed over a series of hours under physiological conditions. 2. Evaluate the morphological effects of Tecrea's Nanocin technology on biofilms formed by UTI pathogens, using clinical isolated and established in vitro biofilm models. Training provided by UCL in morphometric analysis using super resolution 3D image analysis using Leica LASX, Image pro 10 3D and FIJI (Comstat2). 3. Further develop the SME-academic collaboration, building on past successful collaboration. 4. Expand and develop my skill set. Personal Development: Completing the secondment will allow me to learn a range of novel imaging techniques and in vitro models for the assessment of biofilm morphology. This will further develop my technical skill set which I can apply in my work at Tecrea. Collaborating with UCL, the NHS and BIIG will enable me to expand my collaboration network as well as observing research from lab bench into a clinical setting.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Overall, uropathogenic E. coli biofilm was successfully grown and stained in vitro and visualised by CLSM. NanocinTM treatment was evaluated by CLSM of uropathogenic E. coli biofilm which has not previously been studied before. Results and conclusions: • NanocinTM penetrated uropathogenic E. coli biofilm at concentrations above the MIC. • NanocinTM inhibited growth of uropathogenic E. coli. • Greater NanocinTM-FITC fluorescence was observed in the apical surface of the biofilm compared with the basal surface. The secondment has helped my personal development as a research scientist. I have learnt new transferable skills such as confocal microscopy, developed my microbiological skills further and established new connections with the bladder infection and immunity group (BIIG) at the NHS Royal Free Hospital. The secondment has benefitted Tecrea Ltd by providing funding to research the viability of its NanocinTM technology in UTI treatment. The BIIG group have also benefitted from the secondment through developing a better understanding of biofilm formation in UTI with the potential for a new treatment method with further research. Future work: The work will be submitted for abstract and presentation conference calls to allow presentation of the work to the wider community. The established collaboration between Tecrea Ltd and the BIIG group at the NHS Royal Free Hospital will continue. With the collaboration we aim to continue the in vitro research to gain further insight into the NanocinTM technologies ability to kill uropathogens (including in other species such as pseudomonas aeruginosa, proteus mirabilis and enterococcus spp.) as well as broaden our understanding of NanocinsTM mechanism of action. Further biofilm staining techniques will be utilized as well as minimum biofilm eradication concentrations calculated. Additional grant funding opportunities will be required to advance this work further which will be applied for by both parties in the collaboration.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_005 Polymers for Disrupting Biofilms and Enhanced Treatment of Infection (Stephen Rimmer) 
Organisation 5D Health Protection Group Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The project involves scoping the possibilities around combining Bradford technologies with the current 5D pipeline. A number of hybrid technologies will be examined that combine polymers that respond to bacteria or fungi (or possibly also viruses) with other biofilm disrupting technologies (such as the use of EDTA). The Bradford expertise is also in hydrogel technologies and we will carry out preliminary scoping experiments on combining hydrogel carriers with the 5D pipeline technologies. Already the Bradford team have developed several devices that can be used to detect bacteria or fungi in skin, eyes, wounds or other tissues. However, progress to the market has been slow and another aspect of the programme will be to develop routes to market using the considerable experience of the 5D team in this area as we develop a range of hybrid technologies. A particular area that has been discussed between the two teams is around developing chip-based sensors for infection using fabrication expertise at 5D and smart polymer expertise from the Bradford team. This is a relatively new area for the Bradford team and we will aim to explore both practical exemplars and potential designs incorporating sensor chips into wound dressings. The project will be of great value to Prof. Rimmer in enabling an immersive research experience within the partner organisation that will underpin future substantial programmes. The project is central to the industrial strategy Grand Challenges in Ageing Society and AI and data. Treatment of infection becomes more difficult with age and non-healing wounds in the elderly (eg diabetic patents) can be difficult to treat. Smart treatments and enhanced wound dressings can be a key way of improving outcomes. Also, smart dressings incorporating chips that can provide real data on the state of wounds can facilitate an AI/data rich approach to wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact The experiments have resulted in potentially a new class of materials that have also been shown to be non-immunogenic and non-cytotoxic, in vitro. The polymers maybe be commercially useful and the pyrrole carbodithioate polymers can already be produced in 0.5 kg quantities cost-effectively. They may provide a useful adjunct to already commercialised treatments. The production of QCMB responsive chips opens the way to produce biosensors and possible wearable wound dressings with embedded technology for indicating bacterial load. We hope to further develop these technologies via Innovate UK in the coming months. Rimmer was also trained in CDC technology and this will facilitate further collaboration with 5D. Next steps: Currently, we are investigating possible funding with Innovate UK and to support this the work is being written to for publication with the possibility to protect some aspects.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_005 Polymers for Disrupting Biofilms and Enhanced Treatment of Infection (Stephen Rimmer) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The project involves scoping the possibilities around combining Bradford technologies with the current 5D pipeline. A number of hybrid technologies will be examined that combine polymers that respond to bacteria or fungi (or possibly also viruses) with other biofilm disrupting technologies (such as the use of EDTA). The Bradford expertise is also in hydrogel technologies and we will carry out preliminary scoping experiments on combining hydrogel carriers with the 5D pipeline technologies. Already the Bradford team have developed several devices that can be used to detect bacteria or fungi in skin, eyes, wounds or other tissues. However, progress to the market has been slow and another aspect of the programme will be to develop routes to market using the considerable experience of the 5D team in this area as we develop a range of hybrid technologies. A particular area that has been discussed between the two teams is around developing chip-based sensors for infection using fabrication expertise at 5D and smart polymer expertise from the Bradford team. This is a relatively new area for the Bradford team and we will aim to explore both practical exemplars and potential designs incorporating sensor chips into wound dressings. The project will be of great value to Prof. Rimmer in enabling an immersive research experience within the partner organisation that will underpin future substantial programmes. The project is central to the industrial strategy Grand Challenges in Ageing Society and AI and data. Treatment of infection becomes more difficult with age and non-healing wounds in the elderly (eg diabetic patents) can be difficult to treat. Smart treatments and enhanced wound dressings can be a key way of improving outcomes. Also, smart dressings incorporating chips that can provide real data on the state of wounds can facilitate an AI/data rich approach to wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact The experiments have resulted in potentially a new class of materials that have also been shown to be non-immunogenic and non-cytotoxic, in vitro. The polymers maybe be commercially useful and the pyrrole carbodithioate polymers can already be produced in 0.5 kg quantities cost-effectively. They may provide a useful adjunct to already commercialised treatments. The production of QCMB responsive chips opens the way to produce biosensors and possible wearable wound dressings with embedded technology for indicating bacterial load. We hope to further develop these technologies via Innovate UK in the coming months. Rimmer was also trained in CDC technology and this will facilitate further collaboration with 5D. Next steps: Currently, we are investigating possible funding with Innovate UK and to support this the work is being written to for publication with the possibility to protect some aspects.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_005 Polymers for Disrupting Biofilms and Enhanced Treatment of Infection (Stephen Rimmer) 
Organisation University of Bradford
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The project involves scoping the possibilities around combining Bradford technologies with the current 5D pipeline. A number of hybrid technologies will be examined that combine polymers that respond to bacteria or fungi (or possibly also viruses) with other biofilm disrupting technologies (such as the use of EDTA). The Bradford expertise is also in hydrogel technologies and we will carry out preliminary scoping experiments on combining hydrogel carriers with the 5D pipeline technologies. Already the Bradford team have developed several devices that can be used to detect bacteria or fungi in skin, eyes, wounds or other tissues. However, progress to the market has been slow and another aspect of the programme will be to develop routes to market using the considerable experience of the 5D team in this area as we develop a range of hybrid technologies. A particular area that has been discussed between the two teams is around developing chip-based sensors for infection using fabrication expertise at 5D and smart polymer expertise from the Bradford team. This is a relatively new area for the Bradford team and we will aim to explore both practical exemplars and potential designs incorporating sensor chips into wound dressings. The project will be of great value to Prof. Rimmer in enabling an immersive research experience within the partner organisation that will underpin future substantial programmes. The project is central to the industrial strategy Grand Challenges in Ageing Society and AI and data. Treatment of infection becomes more difficult with age and non-healing wounds in the elderly (eg diabetic patents) can be difficult to treat. Smart treatments and enhanced wound dressings can be a key way of improving outcomes. Also, smart dressings incorporating chips that can provide real data on the state of wounds can facilitate an AI/data rich approach to wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact The experiments have resulted in potentially a new class of materials that have also been shown to be non-immunogenic and non-cytotoxic, in vitro. The polymers maybe be commercially useful and the pyrrole carbodithioate polymers can already be produced in 0.5 kg quantities cost-effectively. They may provide a useful adjunct to already commercialised treatments. The production of QCMB responsive chips opens the way to produce biosensors and possible wearable wound dressings with embedded technology for indicating bacterial load. We hope to further develop these technologies via Innovate UK in the coming months. Rimmer was also trained in CDC technology and this will facilitate further collaboration with 5D. Next steps: Currently, we are investigating possible funding with Innovate UK and to support this the work is being written to for publication with the possibility to protect some aspects.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_007 Industry Placement to Evaluate Porcine Skin as a Model for Human Biofilm Research (Holly Wilkinson) 
Organisation Cica Biomedical Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The FTMA recipient is a talented researcher at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) with expertise in lab-based skin microbiome/biofilm research and keen to progress to gaining insight into commercial research. The industry partner is a contract research organisation with over 20 years' experience of providing in vivo skin and wound studies yet has limited microbiological capabilities. There is significant emerging interest to understand the role of the microbiome/biofilms in skin ageing and disease, with a wide variety of clinical and cosmetic applications. Our group in HYMS have strong expertise in using in vitro biofilm models to evaluate host-microbe interactions and commercial product efficacy. Currently, there are no lab-based models that can suitably recapitulate the complex microbiological environment of living human skin. The only way to overcome current translational challenges is to create a step change from reductionist lab-based models to using living skin in vivo. Attempts to address this problem by performing skin wound microbiome/biofilm studies in mice have failed as the murine microbiome is compositionally different to human. Based on a small-scale pilot study, we believe porcine skin more faithfully represents the human skin microbiome, providing an exciting model for studying skin biofilm interactions and targeted antimicrobials. In this project, the FTMA recipient will work closely with the industry partner to: 1) Obtain unique insight into a commercial research environment. 2) Undertake training in commercial pig skin/wound studies. 3) Apply their microbiology expertise to evaluate the suitability of pig skin as a model for human-relevant microbiome/biofilm studies. The proposed placement thus aligns with the grand challenge areas of healthy ageing and personalised medicine, where development of a novel pig skin model that faithfully replicates the human skin microbiome will provide an opportunity to explore drivers of healthy ageing and deliver personalised therapies.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA project has provided a crucial step change from reductionist lab-based models by formally demonstrating the suitability of in vivo pig skin as a living microbiome model which is compositionally more similar to human skin than mouse skin. Indeed, this will enable Cica to develop further partnering opportunities by providing commercial collaborators with a validated human-relevant skin microbiome model in pigs, which was previously unreported and unappreciated. Moreover, Cica (and Sammi) have begun to further expand upon this model by testing the effect of common clinical skin dressings on the microbiome. These data have provided Cica with capabilities in both sequencing and traditional culture methods that: a) can be added to current work packages with existing commercial partners and; b) can be used to attract new industry partners interested in skin microbiome research models. Moreover, the data collected from testing occlusive versus non-occlusive dressings can be used to expand the portfolio of skin microbiome models on offer. For example, testing selective antimicrobials in a normal (non-occlusive) versus pathological (occlusive) skin environment. NOTE: MinION sequencing was compared to traditional microbial culture techniques (agar) and was found to be superior in assessment of skin microbiome. We found that colonies isolated and identified via commercially available chromogenic agar were often not the "expected" species when colony specification was confirmed via MinION sequencing. HYMS has benefitted from the FTMA by enabling career development of a talented early career researcher, who has gained important industry insight that has now led to her recruitment to the skin microbiome division of a local, leading multinational (position accepted, beginning in May 2022). The FTMA has also enabled Cica and HYMS to identify new areas of collaboration. One of these is an exciting commercially funded study to assess the efficacy of selective antimicrobials without harming the resident microbiota. In addition, the lead applicant (Wilkinson) has applied for an NBIC CTP studentship in collaboration with Cica to continue this exciting work into skin microbiome and antimicrobial resistance. Cica and HYMS continue to have crucial discussions around skin microbiome and biofilm research capabilities with other industry partners. Future work: Our pilot data suggests that pigs may be a promising human-relevant model to assess the effects of commercial products on the skin microbiome. We will therefore continue to evaluate the suitability of pigs for microbiome studies by working closely with Cica to expand on our pilot data (e.g. more replicates). We also plan to assess the effects of occlusion on the pig wound microbiome as our preliminary findings suggest that the wound microbiome may be different as wounds provide a more optimal environment for pathogenic bacterial growth (e.g. moist, wound exudate, nutrients). Ultimately, these data will enable us to develop commercial microbiome/ biofilm studies collaboratively with Cica and allow us to determine key microbial factors that drive skin ageing and biofilm infection. Indeed, these studies may also pave the way to clinical wound evaluation and development of personalised antimicrobial therapies.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_007 Industry Placement to Evaluate Porcine Skin as a Model for Human Biofilm Research (Holly Wilkinson) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The FTMA recipient is a talented researcher at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) with expertise in lab-based skin microbiome/biofilm research and keen to progress to gaining insight into commercial research. The industry partner is a contract research organisation with over 20 years' experience of providing in vivo skin and wound studies yet has limited microbiological capabilities. There is significant emerging interest to understand the role of the microbiome/biofilms in skin ageing and disease, with a wide variety of clinical and cosmetic applications. Our group in HYMS have strong expertise in using in vitro biofilm models to evaluate host-microbe interactions and commercial product efficacy. Currently, there are no lab-based models that can suitably recapitulate the complex microbiological environment of living human skin. The only way to overcome current translational challenges is to create a step change from reductionist lab-based models to using living skin in vivo. Attempts to address this problem by performing skin wound microbiome/biofilm studies in mice have failed as the murine microbiome is compositionally different to human. Based on a small-scale pilot study, we believe porcine skin more faithfully represents the human skin microbiome, providing an exciting model for studying skin biofilm interactions and targeted antimicrobials. In this project, the FTMA recipient will work closely with the industry partner to: 1) Obtain unique insight into a commercial research environment. 2) Undertake training in commercial pig skin/wound studies. 3) Apply their microbiology expertise to evaluate the suitability of pig skin as a model for human-relevant microbiome/biofilm studies. The proposed placement thus aligns with the grand challenge areas of healthy ageing and personalised medicine, where development of a novel pig skin model that faithfully replicates the human skin microbiome will provide an opportunity to explore drivers of healthy ageing and deliver personalised therapies.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA project has provided a crucial step change from reductionist lab-based models by formally demonstrating the suitability of in vivo pig skin as a living microbiome model which is compositionally more similar to human skin than mouse skin. Indeed, this will enable Cica to develop further partnering opportunities by providing commercial collaborators with a validated human-relevant skin microbiome model in pigs, which was previously unreported and unappreciated. Moreover, Cica (and Sammi) have begun to further expand upon this model by testing the effect of common clinical skin dressings on the microbiome. These data have provided Cica with capabilities in both sequencing and traditional culture methods that: a) can be added to current work packages with existing commercial partners and; b) can be used to attract new industry partners interested in skin microbiome research models. Moreover, the data collected from testing occlusive versus non-occlusive dressings can be used to expand the portfolio of skin microbiome models on offer. For example, testing selective antimicrobials in a normal (non-occlusive) versus pathological (occlusive) skin environment. NOTE: MinION sequencing was compared to traditional microbial culture techniques (agar) and was found to be superior in assessment of skin microbiome. We found that colonies isolated and identified via commercially available chromogenic agar were often not the "expected" species when colony specification was confirmed via MinION sequencing. HYMS has benefitted from the FTMA by enabling career development of a talented early career researcher, who has gained important industry insight that has now led to her recruitment to the skin microbiome division of a local, leading multinational (position accepted, beginning in May 2022). The FTMA has also enabled Cica and HYMS to identify new areas of collaboration. One of these is an exciting commercially funded study to assess the efficacy of selective antimicrobials without harming the resident microbiota. In addition, the lead applicant (Wilkinson) has applied for an NBIC CTP studentship in collaboration with Cica to continue this exciting work into skin microbiome and antimicrobial resistance. Cica and HYMS continue to have crucial discussions around skin microbiome and biofilm research capabilities with other industry partners. Future work: Our pilot data suggests that pigs may be a promising human-relevant model to assess the effects of commercial products on the skin microbiome. We will therefore continue to evaluate the suitability of pigs for microbiome studies by working closely with Cica to expand on our pilot data (e.g. more replicates). We also plan to assess the effects of occlusion on the pig wound microbiome as our preliminary findings suggest that the wound microbiome may be different as wounds provide a more optimal environment for pathogenic bacterial growth (e.g. moist, wound exudate, nutrients). Ultimately, these data will enable us to develop commercial microbiome/ biofilm studies collaboratively with Cica and allow us to determine key microbial factors that drive skin ageing and biofilm infection. Indeed, these studies may also pave the way to clinical wound evaluation and development of personalised antimicrobial therapies.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_007 Industry Placement to Evaluate Porcine Skin as a Model for Human Biofilm Research (Holly Wilkinson) 
Organisation University of Hull
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The FTMA recipient is a talented researcher at the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) with expertise in lab-based skin microbiome/biofilm research and keen to progress to gaining insight into commercial research. The industry partner is a contract research organisation with over 20 years' experience of providing in vivo skin and wound studies yet has limited microbiological capabilities. There is significant emerging interest to understand the role of the microbiome/biofilms in skin ageing and disease, with a wide variety of clinical and cosmetic applications. Our group in HYMS have strong expertise in using in vitro biofilm models to evaluate host-microbe interactions and commercial product efficacy. Currently, there are no lab-based models that can suitably recapitulate the complex microbiological environment of living human skin. The only way to overcome current translational challenges is to create a step change from reductionist lab-based models to using living skin in vivo. Attempts to address this problem by performing skin wound microbiome/biofilm studies in mice have failed as the murine microbiome is compositionally different to human. Based on a small-scale pilot study, we believe porcine skin more faithfully represents the human skin microbiome, providing an exciting model for studying skin biofilm interactions and targeted antimicrobials. In this project, the FTMA recipient will work closely with the industry partner to: 1) Obtain unique insight into a commercial research environment. 2) Undertake training in commercial pig skin/wound studies. 3) Apply their microbiology expertise to evaluate the suitability of pig skin as a model for human-relevant microbiome/biofilm studies. The proposed placement thus aligns with the grand challenge areas of healthy ageing and personalised medicine, where development of a novel pig skin model that faithfully replicates the human skin microbiome will provide an opportunity to explore drivers of healthy ageing and deliver personalised therapies.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA project has provided a crucial step change from reductionist lab-based models by formally demonstrating the suitability of in vivo pig skin as a living microbiome model which is compositionally more similar to human skin than mouse skin. Indeed, this will enable Cica to develop further partnering opportunities by providing commercial collaborators with a validated human-relevant skin microbiome model in pigs, which was previously unreported and unappreciated. Moreover, Cica (and Sammi) have begun to further expand upon this model by testing the effect of common clinical skin dressings on the microbiome. These data have provided Cica with capabilities in both sequencing and traditional culture methods that: a) can be added to current work packages with existing commercial partners and; b) can be used to attract new industry partners interested in skin microbiome research models. Moreover, the data collected from testing occlusive versus non-occlusive dressings can be used to expand the portfolio of skin microbiome models on offer. For example, testing selective antimicrobials in a normal (non-occlusive) versus pathological (occlusive) skin environment. NOTE: MinION sequencing was compared to traditional microbial culture techniques (agar) and was found to be superior in assessment of skin microbiome. We found that colonies isolated and identified via commercially available chromogenic agar were often not the "expected" species when colony specification was confirmed via MinION sequencing. HYMS has benefitted from the FTMA by enabling career development of a talented early career researcher, who has gained important industry insight that has now led to her recruitment to the skin microbiome division of a local, leading multinational (position accepted, beginning in May 2022). The FTMA has also enabled Cica and HYMS to identify new areas of collaboration. One of these is an exciting commercially funded study to assess the efficacy of selective antimicrobials without harming the resident microbiota. In addition, the lead applicant (Wilkinson) has applied for an NBIC CTP studentship in collaboration with Cica to continue this exciting work into skin microbiome and antimicrobial resistance. Cica and HYMS continue to have crucial discussions around skin microbiome and biofilm research capabilities with other industry partners. Future work: Our pilot data suggests that pigs may be a promising human-relevant model to assess the effects of commercial products on the skin microbiome. We will therefore continue to evaluate the suitability of pigs for microbiome studies by working closely with Cica to expand on our pilot data (e.g. more replicates). We also plan to assess the effects of occlusion on the pig wound microbiome as our preliminary findings suggest that the wound microbiome may be different as wounds provide a more optimal environment for pathogenic bacterial growth (e.g. moist, wound exudate, nutrients). Ultimately, these data will enable us to develop commercial microbiome/ biofilm studies collaboratively with Cica and allow us to determine key microbial factors that drive skin ageing and biofilm infection. Indeed, these studies may also pave the way to clinical wound evaluation and development of personalised antimicrobial therapies.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_008 Plasma (ionised gas) disinfection (Jean-Yves Maillard) 
Organisation Cardiff University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This project will explore biofilm-related applications for an innovative technology and develop the innovation capability of the FTMA recipient to better direct and exploit the project outcomes. Fourth State's proprietary plasma technology (ionised gas, the fourth state of matter) electronically converts ambient air into gaseous chemical species (ozone and/or nitrogen oxides) with antimicrobial properties. The company's compact and user-friendly products are designed to generate defined concentrations of these chemicals in-situ, precisely and reliably. The recipient of this FTMA is Fourth State's Research & Innovation Manager, who has been directly involved in shaping the path of technology development. They have previously worked with academic partners with biofilm expertise on grant-funded projects, including 2 x NBIC POCs. This project will pump-prime a potential collaboration with Cardiff University and build the knowledge and skills of the FTMA recipient. This will have impacts on the company's wider commercialisation strategy, R&D activities and innovation processes, accelerating delivery of the potential societal, environmental and economic benefits of the technology. The project is aligned with NBIC (biofilm prevention, management) and UKRI ISCF themes (leading-edge healthcare, healthy ageing, transforming food production).
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: Expected outcomes (from proposal): 1. List of potential use cases, based on informal discussions with Cardiff group • Achieved: supplemented by FTMA recipient's review of academic group's publications and other literature on disinfection unmet needs / market trends / limitations of current technologies and practices. • Regular face to face informal discussions took place, providing frequent results update and informing on future laboratory testing, pitfall on microbicidal testing using this technology and reflections on device applications, particularly concerning test parameters and efficacy goal for specific markets. 2. Opportunity assessment and prioritisation - considering market/impact potential, regulatory pathway and testing requirements, competitive/IP landscape and potential OEM partners Achieved: narrowed down focus to fomite disinfection, primarily in healthcare & wellbeing settings, rationale: • Complementary to other business objectives in adjacent market segments • Accessible via understood channels and existing networks, including NBIC, shareholders Wessex AHSN and US-based partners • Unmet needs recently surfaced by COVID-19 and driven by increasing rates of hospital-acquired infections, including antimicrobial-resistant, biofilm-forming strains which also spread in non-medical contexts • Exploiting patented and comprehensively validated Fourth State plasma (ionised gas) RONS generation technology, in particular current ModuNOxD products (used to generate pilot data in this project) already sold under licence for non-medical fomite disinfection purposes • Synergies with the Cardiff group's research agenda, networks and scientific/regulatory expertise 3. Draft go-to-market strategy for disinfection applications of Fourth State's technology Achieved: >30-page draft report generated drawing on best practices in B2B marketing from CIM courses, covering: • Fomite disinfection/sterilisation market drivers and current dynamics • The company's current situation in relation to the market • Target segments and rationale, in line with overall corporate strategy • Positioning of potential products versus competitors and substitutes • B2B marketing tactics to deploy given limited company resources 4. Pilot data generation using biofilm models, supporting product activity and providing case for follow-on activities Achieved, albeit not yet using real-world-representative wet/dry biofilm models • Opted to focus initially on dried Staph. aureus on stainless steel surfaces, to more efficiently explore device parameter space (relatively quick to prepare, treat and analyse assays versus more complex biofilm models) • Varied ozone/NOx modes with flow rate, contact time, surface wetting with DI water/PBS before treatment • During operation at low flow rates (production of nitrogen species), the device was unable to eradicate bacteria dried onto surfaces. However, at a flow rate of 5L/min (ozone production) a 60 min reaction time sufficiently disinfected surfaces containing dried bacteria. • Using the RONS generator in combination with a wetting step restored its bactericidal activity using flow rates of 1 and 5 L/min over 30 - 60 min. It is likely that NOx at a low flow rate and contact time was unable to penetrate layers of bacteria desiccated on surfaces. To verify this hypothesis dried bacteria were embedded in an alginate matrix that allows the penetration of gas. Results show that RONS generated at 1 and 3 L/min were bactericidal (> 4 log10 reduction, i.e., 99.99% reduction) within 60 min. • These results highlight the bactericidal potential of the RONS generator against Staphylococcus aureus but also provided valuable information on device efficacy current limitations. The alginate model provides flexibility to test other bacteria and other microorganisms that are usually susceptible to desiccation. • Overall, these results are encouraging and confirmed the microbicidal potential of the RONS generator. Additional experiments need to be performed to verify the limit of the microbicidal activity of the RONS generator (using lower flow rate, shorter contact time, and different temperature). The spectrum of microbicidal activity needs to be ascertained. Understanding the mechanisms of microbicidal activity is also recommended. Finally, hydrated condition restores microbicidal activity. With that in mind investigations combining a misting device in combination with the RONS generator should be explored. Additional outcomes: • CIM course takeaways: comprehensive knowledge of contemporary best practices in B2B marketing, feeding into company strategy, marketing materials and processes. Company website refresh in progress drawing directly on lessons learned - expect increase in enquiries and sales revenue for laboratory equipment products (NOxLab) and OEM solutions (ModuNOx). Increased confidence and capability in briefing/working with specialist B2B marketing and market research agencies, and in specifying role requirements for future internal marketing hires (product managers, marketing managers). Network of contacts in B2B marketing from relationships with course directors and attendees. • Feedback on product usability: input into new laboratory product specifications (NOxLab-D), to allow easier tuning of ModuNOxD ozone/NOx generator with a digital flow meter, improving on the analogue flow meter used in this study. • Effective SME-university working relationship established: providing a solid foundation for future collaboration, to develop new biocidal applications for Fourth State's technology platform. Future work: We are together exploring a potential Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) application, to develop new applications for Fourth State's products. Maillard has a great experience in KTP collaborations with industrial partners leading to Innovation awards, dissemination of results including customers' documentation and exploitation of results including impact case for University REF return. Initial discussion with Cardiff University KTP office and KTO adviser have already taking place. This would benefit from any help available for • conducting market research on fomite disinfection current practices, particularly in healthcare & wellbeing settings: for fomites in non-medical areas such as receptions, offices, waiting rooms, catering, toilet and washing facilities, as well as in medical areas such as GP/dental clinics, hospital wards, operating theatres • limitations of existing technologies, particularly directly competing low temperature technologies such as UV radiation, ethylene oxide, vaporised hydrogen peroxide and other plasma/ozone/NOx systems on the market • associated costs to healthcare systems e.g., health economic costs of hospital-acquired infections acquired through fomite transmission, labour cost for cleaning which may be ineffective/unreliable for certain fomites • associated costs to the environment: decentralised, in-situ ozone/NOx generation from ambient air may have sustainability benefits versus existing technologies and plastic-packaged/environmentally-harmful biocides • planning the KTP project technical work plan • preparing/reviewing the application and exploitation plan A conference paper abstract is also currently in preparation, on adapting standard testing protocols to test devices/ biocides in real world situations, drawing on data generated using Fourth State's device in ozone generation mode. The abstract will be submitted for presentation at IPS2022 in Bournemouth.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_008 Plasma (ionised gas) disinfection (Jean-Yves Maillard) 
Organisation Fourth State Medicine Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This project will explore biofilm-related applications for an innovative technology and develop the innovation capability of the FTMA recipient to better direct and exploit the project outcomes. Fourth State's proprietary plasma technology (ionised gas, the fourth state of matter) electronically converts ambient air into gaseous chemical species (ozone and/or nitrogen oxides) with antimicrobial properties. The company's compact and user-friendly products are designed to generate defined concentrations of these chemicals in-situ, precisely and reliably. The recipient of this FTMA is Fourth State's Research & Innovation Manager, who has been directly involved in shaping the path of technology development. They have previously worked with academic partners with biofilm expertise on grant-funded projects, including 2 x NBIC POCs. This project will pump-prime a potential collaboration with Cardiff University and build the knowledge and skills of the FTMA recipient. This will have impacts on the company's wider commercialisation strategy, R&D activities and innovation processes, accelerating delivery of the potential societal, environmental and economic benefits of the technology. The project is aligned with NBIC (biofilm prevention, management) and UKRI ISCF themes (leading-edge healthcare, healthy ageing, transforming food production).
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: Expected outcomes (from proposal): 1. List of potential use cases, based on informal discussions with Cardiff group • Achieved: supplemented by FTMA recipient's review of academic group's publications and other literature on disinfection unmet needs / market trends / limitations of current technologies and practices. • Regular face to face informal discussions took place, providing frequent results update and informing on future laboratory testing, pitfall on microbicidal testing using this technology and reflections on device applications, particularly concerning test parameters and efficacy goal for specific markets. 2. Opportunity assessment and prioritisation - considering market/impact potential, regulatory pathway and testing requirements, competitive/IP landscape and potential OEM partners Achieved: narrowed down focus to fomite disinfection, primarily in healthcare & wellbeing settings, rationale: • Complementary to other business objectives in adjacent market segments • Accessible via understood channels and existing networks, including NBIC, shareholders Wessex AHSN and US-based partners • Unmet needs recently surfaced by COVID-19 and driven by increasing rates of hospital-acquired infections, including antimicrobial-resistant, biofilm-forming strains which also spread in non-medical contexts • Exploiting patented and comprehensively validated Fourth State plasma (ionised gas) RONS generation technology, in particular current ModuNOxD products (used to generate pilot data in this project) already sold under licence for non-medical fomite disinfection purposes • Synergies with the Cardiff group's research agenda, networks and scientific/regulatory expertise 3. Draft go-to-market strategy for disinfection applications of Fourth State's technology Achieved: >30-page draft report generated drawing on best practices in B2B marketing from CIM courses, covering: • Fomite disinfection/sterilisation market drivers and current dynamics • The company's current situation in relation to the market • Target segments and rationale, in line with overall corporate strategy • Positioning of potential products versus competitors and substitutes • B2B marketing tactics to deploy given limited company resources 4. Pilot data generation using biofilm models, supporting product activity and providing case for follow-on activities Achieved, albeit not yet using real-world-representative wet/dry biofilm models • Opted to focus initially on dried Staph. aureus on stainless steel surfaces, to more efficiently explore device parameter space (relatively quick to prepare, treat and analyse assays versus more complex biofilm models) • Varied ozone/NOx modes with flow rate, contact time, surface wetting with DI water/PBS before treatment • During operation at low flow rates (production of nitrogen species), the device was unable to eradicate bacteria dried onto surfaces. However, at a flow rate of 5L/min (ozone production) a 60 min reaction time sufficiently disinfected surfaces containing dried bacteria. • Using the RONS generator in combination with a wetting step restored its bactericidal activity using flow rates of 1 and 5 L/min over 30 - 60 min. It is likely that NOx at a low flow rate and contact time was unable to penetrate layers of bacteria desiccated on surfaces. To verify this hypothesis dried bacteria were embedded in an alginate matrix that allows the penetration of gas. Results show that RONS generated at 1 and 3 L/min were bactericidal (> 4 log10 reduction, i.e., 99.99% reduction) within 60 min. • These results highlight the bactericidal potential of the RONS generator against Staphylococcus aureus but also provided valuable information on device efficacy current limitations. The alginate model provides flexibility to test other bacteria and other microorganisms that are usually susceptible to desiccation. • Overall, these results are encouraging and confirmed the microbicidal potential of the RONS generator. Additional experiments need to be performed to verify the limit of the microbicidal activity of the RONS generator (using lower flow rate, shorter contact time, and different temperature). The spectrum of microbicidal activity needs to be ascertained. Understanding the mechanisms of microbicidal activity is also recommended. Finally, hydrated condition restores microbicidal activity. With that in mind investigations combining a misting device in combination with the RONS generator should be explored. Additional outcomes: • CIM course takeaways: comprehensive knowledge of contemporary best practices in B2B marketing, feeding into company strategy, marketing materials and processes. Company website refresh in progress drawing directly on lessons learned - expect increase in enquiries and sales revenue for laboratory equipment products (NOxLab) and OEM solutions (ModuNOx). Increased confidence and capability in briefing/working with specialist B2B marketing and market research agencies, and in specifying role requirements for future internal marketing hires (product managers, marketing managers). Network of contacts in B2B marketing from relationships with course directors and attendees. • Feedback on product usability: input into new laboratory product specifications (NOxLab-D), to allow easier tuning of ModuNOxD ozone/NOx generator with a digital flow meter, improving on the analogue flow meter used in this study. • Effective SME-university working relationship established: providing a solid foundation for future collaboration, to develop new biocidal applications for Fourth State's technology platform. Future work: We are together exploring a potential Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) application, to develop new applications for Fourth State's products. Maillard has a great experience in KTP collaborations with industrial partners leading to Innovation awards, dissemination of results including customers' documentation and exploitation of results including impact case for University REF return. Initial discussion with Cardiff University KTP office and KTO adviser have already taking place. This would benefit from any help available for • conducting market research on fomite disinfection current practices, particularly in healthcare & wellbeing settings: for fomites in non-medical areas such as receptions, offices, waiting rooms, catering, toilet and washing facilities, as well as in medical areas such as GP/dental clinics, hospital wards, operating theatres • limitations of existing technologies, particularly directly competing low temperature technologies such as UV radiation, ethylene oxide, vaporised hydrogen peroxide and other plasma/ozone/NOx systems on the market • associated costs to healthcare systems e.g., health economic costs of hospital-acquired infections acquired through fomite transmission, labour cost for cleaning which may be ineffective/unreliable for certain fomites • associated costs to the environment: decentralised, in-situ ozone/NOx generation from ambient air may have sustainability benefits versus existing technologies and plastic-packaged/environmentally-harmful biocides • planning the KTP project technical work plan • preparing/reviewing the application and exploitation plan A conference paper abstract is also currently in preparation, on adapting standard testing protocols to test devices/ biocides in real world situations, drawing on data generated using Fourth State's device in ozone generation mode. The abstract will be submitted for presentation at IPS2022 in Bournemouth.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_008 Plasma (ionised gas) disinfection (Jean-Yves Maillard) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This project will explore biofilm-related applications for an innovative technology and develop the innovation capability of the FTMA recipient to better direct and exploit the project outcomes. Fourth State's proprietary plasma technology (ionised gas, the fourth state of matter) electronically converts ambient air into gaseous chemical species (ozone and/or nitrogen oxides) with antimicrobial properties. The company's compact and user-friendly products are designed to generate defined concentrations of these chemicals in-situ, precisely and reliably. The recipient of this FTMA is Fourth State's Research & Innovation Manager, who has been directly involved in shaping the path of technology development. They have previously worked with academic partners with biofilm expertise on grant-funded projects, including 2 x NBIC POCs. This project will pump-prime a potential collaboration with Cardiff University and build the knowledge and skills of the FTMA recipient. This will have impacts on the company's wider commercialisation strategy, R&D activities and innovation processes, accelerating delivery of the potential societal, environmental and economic benefits of the technology. The project is aligned with NBIC (biofilm prevention, management) and UKRI ISCF themes (leading-edge healthcare, healthy ageing, transforming food production).
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: Expected outcomes (from proposal): 1. List of potential use cases, based on informal discussions with Cardiff group • Achieved: supplemented by FTMA recipient's review of academic group's publications and other literature on disinfection unmet needs / market trends / limitations of current technologies and practices. • Regular face to face informal discussions took place, providing frequent results update and informing on future laboratory testing, pitfall on microbicidal testing using this technology and reflections on device applications, particularly concerning test parameters and efficacy goal for specific markets. 2. Opportunity assessment and prioritisation - considering market/impact potential, regulatory pathway and testing requirements, competitive/IP landscape and potential OEM partners Achieved: narrowed down focus to fomite disinfection, primarily in healthcare & wellbeing settings, rationale: • Complementary to other business objectives in adjacent market segments • Accessible via understood channels and existing networks, including NBIC, shareholders Wessex AHSN and US-based partners • Unmet needs recently surfaced by COVID-19 and driven by increasing rates of hospital-acquired infections, including antimicrobial-resistant, biofilm-forming strains which also spread in non-medical contexts • Exploiting patented and comprehensively validated Fourth State plasma (ionised gas) RONS generation technology, in particular current ModuNOxD products (used to generate pilot data in this project) already sold under licence for non-medical fomite disinfection purposes • Synergies with the Cardiff group's research agenda, networks and scientific/regulatory expertise 3. Draft go-to-market strategy for disinfection applications of Fourth State's technology Achieved: >30-page draft report generated drawing on best practices in B2B marketing from CIM courses, covering: • Fomite disinfection/sterilisation market drivers and current dynamics • The company's current situation in relation to the market • Target segments and rationale, in line with overall corporate strategy • Positioning of potential products versus competitors and substitutes • B2B marketing tactics to deploy given limited company resources 4. Pilot data generation using biofilm models, supporting product activity and providing case for follow-on activities Achieved, albeit not yet using real-world-representative wet/dry biofilm models • Opted to focus initially on dried Staph. aureus on stainless steel surfaces, to more efficiently explore device parameter space (relatively quick to prepare, treat and analyse assays versus more complex biofilm models) • Varied ozone/NOx modes with flow rate, contact time, surface wetting with DI water/PBS before treatment • During operation at low flow rates (production of nitrogen species), the device was unable to eradicate bacteria dried onto surfaces. However, at a flow rate of 5L/min (ozone production) a 60 min reaction time sufficiently disinfected surfaces containing dried bacteria. • Using the RONS generator in combination with a wetting step restored its bactericidal activity using flow rates of 1 and 5 L/min over 30 - 60 min. It is likely that NOx at a low flow rate and contact time was unable to penetrate layers of bacteria desiccated on surfaces. To verify this hypothesis dried bacteria were embedded in an alginate matrix that allows the penetration of gas. Results show that RONS generated at 1 and 3 L/min were bactericidal (> 4 log10 reduction, i.e., 99.99% reduction) within 60 min. • These results highlight the bactericidal potential of the RONS generator against Staphylococcus aureus but also provided valuable information on device efficacy current limitations. The alginate model provides flexibility to test other bacteria and other microorganisms that are usually susceptible to desiccation. • Overall, these results are encouraging and confirmed the microbicidal potential of the RONS generator. Additional experiments need to be performed to verify the limit of the microbicidal activity of the RONS generator (using lower flow rate, shorter contact time, and different temperature). The spectrum of microbicidal activity needs to be ascertained. Understanding the mechanisms of microbicidal activity is also recommended. Finally, hydrated condition restores microbicidal activity. With that in mind investigations combining a misting device in combination with the RONS generator should be explored. Additional outcomes: • CIM course takeaways: comprehensive knowledge of contemporary best practices in B2B marketing, feeding into company strategy, marketing materials and processes. Company website refresh in progress drawing directly on lessons learned - expect increase in enquiries and sales revenue for laboratory equipment products (NOxLab) and OEM solutions (ModuNOx). Increased confidence and capability in briefing/working with specialist B2B marketing and market research agencies, and in specifying role requirements for future internal marketing hires (product managers, marketing managers). Network of contacts in B2B marketing from relationships with course directors and attendees. • Feedback on product usability: input into new laboratory product specifications (NOxLab-D), to allow easier tuning of ModuNOxD ozone/NOx generator with a digital flow meter, improving on the analogue flow meter used in this study. • Effective SME-university working relationship established: providing a solid foundation for future collaboration, to develop new biocidal applications for Fourth State's technology platform. Future work: We are together exploring a potential Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) application, to develop new applications for Fourth State's products. Maillard has a great experience in KTP collaborations with industrial partners leading to Innovation awards, dissemination of results including customers' documentation and exploitation of results including impact case for University REF return. Initial discussion with Cardiff University KTP office and KTO adviser have already taking place. This would benefit from any help available for • conducting market research on fomite disinfection current practices, particularly in healthcare & wellbeing settings: for fomites in non-medical areas such as receptions, offices, waiting rooms, catering, toilet and washing facilities, as well as in medical areas such as GP/dental clinics, hospital wards, operating theatres • limitations of existing technologies, particularly directly competing low temperature technologies such as UV radiation, ethylene oxide, vaporised hydrogen peroxide and other plasma/ozone/NOx systems on the market • associated costs to healthcare systems e.g., health economic costs of hospital-acquired infections acquired through fomite transmission, labour cost for cleaning which may be ineffective/unreliable for certain fomites • associated costs to the environment: decentralised, in-situ ozone/NOx generation from ambient air may have sustainability benefits versus existing technologies and plastic-packaged/environmentally-harmful biocides • planning the KTP project technical work plan • preparing/reviewing the application and exploitation plan A conference paper abstract is also currently in preparation, on adapting standard testing protocols to test devices/ biocides in real world situations, drawing on data generated using Fourth State's device in ozone generation mode. The abstract will be submitted for presentation at IPS2022 in Bournemouth.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_010 Biofilm Monitoring at Drinking Water Treatment Works: Impact of chlorine on biofilms and water quality (Katherine Fish) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution High quality, clean drinking water is the foundation of public health and hygiene. Biofilms are endemic within drinking water systems, impacting asset performance and water quality. Current microbial monitoring and management (e.g. chlorination) is restricted to analysis of (easily sampled) planktonic microorganisms in the bulk-water, which are unrepresentative of biofilms. Research in idealised systems has shown that biofilms provide protection from disinfection, supporting microbial proliferation. Although critical to managing water safety, monitoring biofilm formation and response to interventions within operational drinking water assets is neglected, primarily due to access and sampling difficulties (without disrupting supply). This FTMA aims to advance the understanding of biofilm growth in operational systems and inform sustainable microbial management approaches by providing a platform to increase porosity of, and leverage value from, interactions between The University of Sheffield (UoS; research) and Severn Trent Water (STW; industry). Specifically, a series of exchange visits will be utilised to design and implement a pilot field-project to detect and monitor biofilm growth throughout a drinking water treatment works (aligning with two NBIC themes). UoS has developed a Biofilm Monitoring Device (BMD) for rapid, sustainable and non-invasive assessment of biofilm (re)formation rates in operational systems, application of this at STW will validate its suitability for field sampling at treatment works. Ultimately, the collaborative relationships established and data generated will support a larger proposal to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, impacting the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Personal development for PI: Expanding professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA provided the opportunity to begin to address an industrial challenge by elevating the technological level of a biofilm-monitoring device that, if proven, will support further key advancements in biofilm and water quality management. Crucially, the visits, collaborative relationships established and pilot work supported by the FTMA highlighted the potential for the application of drinking water BMD to provide better understanding of the interactions between biofilms and water quality. This aligned with an operational need to change chlorine concentrations at a particular site. Subsequently, a 12-month project has been proposed to STW. The proposal aims to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration, simultaneously comparing biofilm growth rates under different chlorine concentrations. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, influencing the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. The FTMA has also supported the personal development of the early career PI via expansion and consolidation of a professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research. SPECIFIC OUTPUTS/SUCCESS MEASURES INCLUDE: • Knowledge and skill transfer between sectors: Increased understanding between partners of their perspectives, specifically exchanging STW's practical challenges and expertise and UoS's world-leading research capabilities and expertise. • Successful collaborative relationship: Established foundation with collaborators (and their wider teams). • Developed trust and buy-in from STW treatment works operatives (critical for larger proposals). • Bespoke Biofilm Monitoring Devices designed, built and installed. • Optimisation of sampling methods to detect and monitor biofilms (will be included in a paper, currently in preparation). • 12 month proposal (Total Value: £135K) for a longitudinal biomonitoring project successfully pitched to Severn Trent Water, contracts are currently under negotiation with a view to starting the project May 2022. Future work: The STW (industry) funded project is due to begin in May (subject to contracts being completed). This provides an opportunity to validate the use of the BMDs at a treatment works, monitoring biofilm growth and response to a changing disinfection. The project will evidence the base-line biofilm growth in STW's water treatment works (WTW), providing comparison for assessing impact of interventions on biofilm formation/mobilisation in the WTW and downstream system, and any resulting change in risks to water quality. Thus providing confidence of the actual impacts (if any) of chlorine reduction is on microbial failures risk. Longer term plans includes the BMD uptake by industry, providing invaluable understanding of disinfection practices and their longer-term impact on biofilms and water quality downstream. This will be achieved by continued collaboration between UoS and STW, expanding to include additional water companies, academic institutions and other stakeholders, to help secure funding from UKRI sources. Drawing on NBIC's international links going forward will be invaluable for dissemination of results and developing further collaborative opportunities. FUTURE IMPACTS Outputs will have diverse impacts for water suppliers, regulators, academia and the public. Water quality failures and infrastructure maintenance are economically costly (thousands to millions of pounds) and intrinsically linked to public health - biofilm-associated pathogens cause waterborne illnesses and fatalities. Data generated will enable water utilities to improve biofilm management, rapidly analyse the biological performance of assets and prioritise microbial management in terms of risk return. This includes consideration of the trade-offs between CAPEX and OPEX interventions (within the TOTEX context Ofwat requires) and the water sector's commitment to NetZero by 2030, to ultimately protect water quality at the tap in the most sustainable way and save lives.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_010 Biofilm Monitoring at Drinking Water Treatment Works: Impact of chlorine on biofilms and water quality (Katherine Fish) 
Organisation Severn Trent Water
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution High quality, clean drinking water is the foundation of public health and hygiene. Biofilms are endemic within drinking water systems, impacting asset performance and water quality. Current microbial monitoring and management (e.g. chlorination) is restricted to analysis of (easily sampled) planktonic microorganisms in the bulk-water, which are unrepresentative of biofilms. Research in idealised systems has shown that biofilms provide protection from disinfection, supporting microbial proliferation. Although critical to managing water safety, monitoring biofilm formation and response to interventions within operational drinking water assets is neglected, primarily due to access and sampling difficulties (without disrupting supply). This FTMA aims to advance the understanding of biofilm growth in operational systems and inform sustainable microbial management approaches by providing a platform to increase porosity of, and leverage value from, interactions between The University of Sheffield (UoS; research) and Severn Trent Water (STW; industry). Specifically, a series of exchange visits will be utilised to design and implement a pilot field-project to detect and monitor biofilm growth throughout a drinking water treatment works (aligning with two NBIC themes). UoS has developed a Biofilm Monitoring Device (BMD) for rapid, sustainable and non-invasive assessment of biofilm (re)formation rates in operational systems, application of this at STW will validate its suitability for field sampling at treatment works. Ultimately, the collaborative relationships established and data generated will support a larger proposal to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, impacting the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Personal development for PI: Expanding professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA provided the opportunity to begin to address an industrial challenge by elevating the technological level of a biofilm-monitoring device that, if proven, will support further key advancements in biofilm and water quality management. Crucially, the visits, collaborative relationships established and pilot work supported by the FTMA highlighted the potential for the application of drinking water BMD to provide better understanding of the interactions between biofilms and water quality. This aligned with an operational need to change chlorine concentrations at a particular site. Subsequently, a 12-month project has been proposed to STW. The proposal aims to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration, simultaneously comparing biofilm growth rates under different chlorine concentrations. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, influencing the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. The FTMA has also supported the personal development of the early career PI via expansion and consolidation of a professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research. SPECIFIC OUTPUTS/SUCCESS MEASURES INCLUDE: • Knowledge and skill transfer between sectors: Increased understanding between partners of their perspectives, specifically exchanging STW's practical challenges and expertise and UoS's world-leading research capabilities and expertise. • Successful collaborative relationship: Established foundation with collaborators (and their wider teams). • Developed trust and buy-in from STW treatment works operatives (critical for larger proposals). • Bespoke Biofilm Monitoring Devices designed, built and installed. • Optimisation of sampling methods to detect and monitor biofilms (will be included in a paper, currently in preparation). • 12 month proposal (Total Value: £135K) for a longitudinal biomonitoring project successfully pitched to Severn Trent Water, contracts are currently under negotiation with a view to starting the project May 2022. Future work: The STW (industry) funded project is due to begin in May (subject to contracts being completed). This provides an opportunity to validate the use of the BMDs at a treatment works, monitoring biofilm growth and response to a changing disinfection. The project will evidence the base-line biofilm growth in STW's water treatment works (WTW), providing comparison for assessing impact of interventions on biofilm formation/mobilisation in the WTW and downstream system, and any resulting change in risks to water quality. Thus providing confidence of the actual impacts (if any) of chlorine reduction is on microbial failures risk. Longer term plans includes the BMD uptake by industry, providing invaluable understanding of disinfection practices and their longer-term impact on biofilms and water quality downstream. This will be achieved by continued collaboration between UoS and STW, expanding to include additional water companies, academic institutions and other stakeholders, to help secure funding from UKRI sources. Drawing on NBIC's international links going forward will be invaluable for dissemination of results and developing further collaborative opportunities. FUTURE IMPACTS Outputs will have diverse impacts for water suppliers, regulators, academia and the public. Water quality failures and infrastructure maintenance are economically costly (thousands to millions of pounds) and intrinsically linked to public health - biofilm-associated pathogens cause waterborne illnesses and fatalities. Data generated will enable water utilities to improve biofilm management, rapidly analyse the biological performance of assets and prioritise microbial management in terms of risk return. This includes consideration of the trade-offs between CAPEX and OPEX interventions (within the TOTEX context Ofwat requires) and the water sector's commitment to NetZero by 2030, to ultimately protect water quality at the tap in the most sustainable way and save lives.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_010 Biofilm Monitoring at Drinking Water Treatment Works: Impact of chlorine on biofilms and water quality (Katherine Fish) 
Organisation University of Sheffield
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution High quality, clean drinking water is the foundation of public health and hygiene. Biofilms are endemic within drinking water systems, impacting asset performance and water quality. Current microbial monitoring and management (e.g. chlorination) is restricted to analysis of (easily sampled) planktonic microorganisms in the bulk-water, which are unrepresentative of biofilms. Research in idealised systems has shown that biofilms provide protection from disinfection, supporting microbial proliferation. Although critical to managing water safety, monitoring biofilm formation and response to interventions within operational drinking water assets is neglected, primarily due to access and sampling difficulties (without disrupting supply). This FTMA aims to advance the understanding of biofilm growth in operational systems and inform sustainable microbial management approaches by providing a platform to increase porosity of, and leverage value from, interactions between The University of Sheffield (UoS; research) and Severn Trent Water (STW; industry). Specifically, a series of exchange visits will be utilised to design and implement a pilot field-project to detect and monitor biofilm growth throughout a drinking water treatment works (aligning with two NBIC themes). UoS has developed a Biofilm Monitoring Device (BMD) for rapid, sustainable and non-invasive assessment of biofilm (re)formation rates in operational systems, application of this at STW will validate its suitability for field sampling at treatment works. Ultimately, the collaborative relationships established and data generated will support a larger proposal to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, impacting the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. Personal development for PI: Expanding professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research.
Collaborator Contribution Full partners in this Flexible Talent Mobility Account project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This FTMA provided the opportunity to begin to address an industrial challenge by elevating the technological level of a biofilm-monitoring device that, if proven, will support further key advancements in biofilm and water quality management. Crucially, the visits, collaborative relationships established and pilot work supported by the FTMA highlighted the potential for the application of drinking water BMD to provide better understanding of the interactions between biofilms and water quality. This aligned with an operational need to change chlorine concentrations at a particular site. Subsequently, a 12-month project has been proposed to STW. The proposal aims to determine water quality and biofilm responses to changes in chlorine concentration, simultaneously comparing biofilm growth rates under different chlorine concentrations. This will advance biofilm understanding and management, influencing the frequency/intensity of disinfection, thereby reducing energy consumption, time and finance costs whilst reducing quality failures, improving customer service and protecting public health. Thus aligning with the healthy aging and clean growth priorities of Industry Strategy Challenge Fund. The FTMA has also supported the personal development of the early career PI via expansion and consolidation of a professional network, providing a platform to demonstrate research independence and leadership in applied biofilm research. SPECIFIC OUTPUTS/SUCCESS MEASURES INCLUDE: • Knowledge and skill transfer between sectors: Increased understanding between partners of their perspectives, specifically exchanging STW's practical challenges and expertise and UoS's world-leading research capabilities and expertise. • Successful collaborative relationship: Established foundation with collaborators (and their wider teams). • Developed trust and buy-in from STW treatment works operatives (critical for larger proposals). • Bespoke Biofilm Monitoring Devices designed, built and installed. • Optimisation of sampling methods to detect and monitor biofilms (will be included in a paper, currently in preparation). • 12 month proposal (Total Value: £135K) for a longitudinal biomonitoring project successfully pitched to Severn Trent Water, contracts are currently under negotiation with a view to starting the project May 2022. Future work: The STW (industry) funded project is due to begin in May (subject to contracts being completed). This provides an opportunity to validate the use of the BMDs at a treatment works, monitoring biofilm growth and response to a changing disinfection. The project will evidence the base-line biofilm growth in STW's water treatment works (WTW), providing comparison for assessing impact of interventions on biofilm formation/mobilisation in the WTW and downstream system, and any resulting change in risks to water quality. Thus providing confidence of the actual impacts (if any) of chlorine reduction is on microbial failures risk. Longer term plans includes the BMD uptake by industry, providing invaluable understanding of disinfection practices and their longer-term impact on biofilms and water quality downstream. This will be achieved by continued collaboration between UoS and STW, expanding to include additional water companies, academic institutions and other stakeholders, to help secure funding from UKRI sources. Drawing on NBIC's international links going forward will be invaluable for dissemination of results and developing further collaborative opportunities. FUTURE IMPACTS Outputs will have diverse impacts for water suppliers, regulators, academia and the public. Water quality failures and infrastructure maintenance are economically costly (thousands to millions of pounds) and intrinsically linked to public health - biofilm-associated pathogens cause waterborne illnesses and fatalities. Data generated will enable water utilities to improve biofilm management, rapidly analyse the biological performance of assets and prioritise microbial management in terms of risk return. This includes consideration of the trade-offs between CAPEX and OPEX interventions (within the TOTEX context Ofwat requires) and the water sector's commitment to NetZero by 2030, to ultimately protect water quality at the tap in the most sustainable way and save lives.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_019 Screening the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticle coatings (Eden Mannix-Fisher) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The primary aim of this project is to produce data on the activity of Pharm2Farm's novel antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings that will be presented at the Nanosynth Expo in March 2022, hosted by the parent company, Nanosynth Group Plc. This will provide an opportunity for Pharm2Farm to showcase their new antimicrobial coatings to potential customers and to seek financial backing for the scale up and registration of the end products. Pharm2Farm have agreed that the research fellow will attend this Expo and contribute to data presentation, which provides an excellent opportunity for the fellow to develop networking skills with members of industry, to understand the needs of the industrial sector and to heighten her commercial awareness. For this project the antimicrobial coatings provided by Pharm2Farm will be screened against environmental and medical pathogens to evaluate the potential application of these materials on surfaces including handles, pipes, and medical device materials. This technology has application across numerous sectors, including but not limited to transportation, food production and medical care. This project aligns to the 'Healthy Ageing' challenge as one of the greatest risks to healthy ageing is infection. Infections, particularly those caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria can have a severe impact on health and can regularly be acquired as comorbidities in hospital settings. This can be through contact with surfaces and via indwelling medical devices that pathogens readily colonise. As such, there is an increasing focus on the use of antimicrobial coatings on medical device materials and in the wider healthcare setting on items from identity wrist bands to door handles and indwelling medical devices. The project also aligns to the 'Transforming Food Production' challenge as antimicrobial coatings can be applied in agriculture, food packaging and livestock pipelines to prevent contamination of food products, increasing the efficiency and resilience of food production.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This work demonstrated that the antimicrobial nanoparticles mixed into paint had a significant reduction of the bacterial viability after exposure of under three hours (Figure 2). This data is important for Pharm2Farm as they can provide data to their international customer evidencing that paint formulations can be made antimicrobial. Building on this project, Pharm2Farm will now go forward with antiviral testing of the paint. This project has provided data for our collaborator, Pharm2Farm, that can be supplied to AkzoNobel and has resulted in further commercial income for the former. It also brings the antimicrobial paint under development closer to commercialisation for AkzoNobel and provides Pharm2Farm with further evidence of the antimicrobial activity of their nanoparticles for advertisement to other potential clients. This project has provided Eden Mannix-Fisher with significant commercial insight and experience of working with industry partners, allowing her to better understand the ways in which both academia and industry operate. Dr Mannix-Fisher will also showcase the work produced here at the postponed NanoSynth Expo rescheduled for summer 2022. Potential patent: The work carried out in this secondment will have great impact to Pharm2Farm and their customer AksoNobel. The antimicrobial work carried out will complement the antiviral work carried out and should both be successful, the data will go towards producing a patent for the product produced. This was not mentioned in the patents section as this patent has not yet been published as it depends on the data produced. Future work: Pharm2Farm will undertake the antiviral work on the antimicrobial paint via a pre-existing collaboration. Pharm2Farm have stated that if they require further antibacterial testing of this or other antimicrobial technologies, they are likely to reach out to this academic team to 'buy out' time to support the work. This further develops the collaboration between the microbiology team at NTU and the SME Pharm2Farm.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_019 Screening the antimicrobial potential of nanoparticle coatings (Eden Mannix-Fisher) 
Organisation Nottingham Trent University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The primary aim of this project is to produce data on the activity of Pharm2Farm's novel antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings that will be presented at the Nanosynth Expo in March 2022, hosted by the parent company, Nanosynth Group Plc. This will provide an opportunity for Pharm2Farm to showcase their new antimicrobial coatings to potential customers and to seek financial backing for the scale up and registration of the end products. Pharm2Farm have agreed that the research fellow will attend this Expo and contribute to data presentation, which provides an excellent opportunity for the fellow to develop networking skills with members of industry, to understand the needs of the industrial sector and to heighten her commercial awareness. For this project the antimicrobial coatings provided by Pharm2Farm will be screened against environmental and medical pathogens to evaluate the potential application of these materials on surfaces including handles, pipes, and medical device materials. This technology has application across numerous sectors, including but not limited to transportation, food production and medical care. This project aligns to the 'Healthy Ageing' challenge as one of the greatest risks to healthy ageing is infection. Infections, particularly those caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria can have a severe impact on health and can regularly be acquired as comorbidities in hospital settings. This can be through contact with surfaces and via indwelling medical devices that pathogens readily colonise. As such, there is an increasing focus on the use of antimicrobial coatings on medical device materials and in the wider healthcare setting on items from identity wrist bands to door handles and indwelling medical devices. The project also aligns to the 'Transforming Food Production' challenge as antimicrobial coatings can be applied in agriculture, food packaging and livestock pipelines to prevent contamination of food products, increasing the efficiency and resilience of food production.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: This work demonstrated that the antimicrobial nanoparticles mixed into paint had a significant reduction of the bacterial viability after exposure of under three hours (Figure 2). This data is important for Pharm2Farm as they can provide data to their international customer evidencing that paint formulations can be made antimicrobial. Building on this project, Pharm2Farm will now go forward with antiviral testing of the paint. This project has provided data for our collaborator, Pharm2Farm, that can be supplied to AkzoNobel and has resulted in further commercial income for the former. It also brings the antimicrobial paint under development closer to commercialisation for AkzoNobel and provides Pharm2Farm with further evidence of the antimicrobial activity of their nanoparticles for advertisement to other potential clients. This project has provided Eden Mannix-Fisher with significant commercial insight and experience of working with industry partners, allowing her to better understand the ways in which both academia and industry operate. Dr Mannix-Fisher will also showcase the work produced here at the postponed NanoSynth Expo rescheduled for summer 2022. Potential patent: The work carried out in this secondment will have great impact to Pharm2Farm and their customer AksoNobel. The antimicrobial work carried out will complement the antiviral work carried out and should both be successful, the data will go towards producing a patent for the product produced. This was not mentioned in the patents section as this patent has not yet been published as it depends on the data produced. Future work: Pharm2Farm will undertake the antiviral work on the antimicrobial paint via a pre-existing collaboration. Pharm2Farm have stated that if they require further antibacterial testing of this or other antimicrobial technologies, they are likely to reach out to this academic team to 'buy out' time to support the work. This further develops the collaboration between the microbiology team at NTU and the SME Pharm2Farm.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_021 Novel Antibiofilm Nanocomposite Functionalities for Metal Implants (NANOMI) (Faradin Mirkhalaf) 
Organisation Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution In the proposed secondment at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), we aim to create, characterise and measure the anti-Biofilm properties of novel nanocomposite surfaces developed by Shimyatech. The proposed work builds upon a preliminary study carried out by the main applicant with LSTM which was funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Different functional nanocomposites will be electrochemically, and chemically, attached to metallic surfaces and antibiofilm properties of these composites compared with one another with the focus on composite use in prosthetic Total Joint Replacements (TJRs). This secondment will increase our expertise and understanding of the microbiology and measurement of biofilm development and inhibition, which are a strategic focus in Shimyatech's R&D ventures (i.e. antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiviral properties). Many Western countries face an aging population and increased prevalence of TJRs which is accompanied by increasing rate of Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). TJR procedures have been increasingly employed as a strategy to improve mobility in older age. TJR, caused by microbial contamination during surgery, are devastating complications of TJRs and are related to high levels of morbidity and mortality. The economic burden on healthcare systems for the treatment of PJIs is vast, exacerbated by increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance to drugs usually used to treat them. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the development of new, material-based solutions to reduce PJIs for the protection of our national healthcare system and patients and this unmet need is something we are well placed to address. The project aligns well with the ICSF challenge "Healthy ageing", which places emphasis on the importance of remaining active, productive and independent in old age. In an ageing population the reduction of PJIs is a major factor in improving the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from Shimyatech: This project represents the early stages of a translational outcome for Shimyatech, advancing the devised technology from a laboratory scale experimental project to real-world product used in a medical setting. • The developed technology was tested on metals frequently used for medical implants (i.e. Titanium and Stainless Steel) giving us results translatable to the technologies real-world use case. The use of the Liverpool biofilm device (LBD) provided by LSTM also allowed us to emulate in vitro conditions more accurately than using standard assays. A major outcome in this project included advancing the "Technology readiness level" (TRL) of the functionalisation method. We can be considered to have advanced the TRL from stage 2 to around stage 3 'Experimental proof-of-concept' as an experimental protocol was defined and has commenced being used for the technologies efficacy validation. More experimental studies are required (i.e. with sample sizes n=10+) to advance the TRL to stage 4 where high level optimisation will take place, and the early stages of how this can be achieved was defined in this project. • The project created an opportunity for LSTM to test its Liverpool Biofilm Device (LBD) against a standard well assay. as a part of this project Advantages of the LBD compared to the standard assay were demonstrated. LSTM hopes this will lead to IP registration and paper publication. • The modified slides were characterised with surface analytical techniques (FT-IR, Contact angle, SEM, EDS and XPS) to confirm the presence and structure of coated materials. • The commercialisation and exploitation of the new technology for various products including medical implants, frequently touched metal surfaces in public places, fabrics and textiles, wound care and filters are planned by Shimyatech Ltd. • The project supported to start and maintain a strong collaboration between Shimyatech Ltd, LSTM, Liverpool University and Keele University and the consortium aims to continue their collaboration to apply for further research funding and publish the results in this project. • Multidisciplinary training of Shimyatech employee whom is a Chemical Engineer by trade but was trained in microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture in both liquid and solid media, aseptic technique, biofilm staining and solubilisation, 24 hour growth curves, and usage of specialised equipment (plate readers, Clariostars) to the extent of being completely self-sufficient with no requirement of supervision. • The project provided precursor data which could support a future grant application or publication which could potentially benefit Shimyatech LTD in future stages of the products development. • This project created an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience between the R&D company and LSTM to acquire microbiology, biofilm testing, nanocoatings and chemistry of surfaces and their applications in certain areas. This was also supported by effective communications and group meetings. Further work: Following this project, Shimyatech Ltd and LSTM are now in a position to proceed with further advancement of the technology leading to the exploitation and dissemination of the results. In the near future, we are aiming to: • File a patent based on the previously developed technology, the results in this project can support the considered application in medical devices. • Jointly publish the bulk of the results in the corresponding leading journals. • Apply for further funding to advance TRL of the project leading to commercialisation of new products. • Shimyatech Ltd has recently approached LCR ventures for possible support and capital investment on the products. This requires TRL at a higher TRL (5,6) to achieve. We are going to apply to suitable calls for funding to national and EU funding bodies. A local organisation (LYVALABS) and Innovate UK EDGE have been approached to seek support for commercialisation and funding applications. We are hoping that NBIC is able to further support this project to achieve its final goals including further grant applications, networking with members and approaching medical device manufacturers and industries leading to the commercialisation of the products.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_021 Novel Antibiofilm Nanocomposite Functionalities for Metal Implants (NANOMI) (Faradin Mirkhalaf) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution In the proposed secondment at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), we aim to create, characterise and measure the anti-Biofilm properties of novel nanocomposite surfaces developed by Shimyatech. The proposed work builds upon a preliminary study carried out by the main applicant with LSTM which was funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Different functional nanocomposites will be electrochemically, and chemically, attached to metallic surfaces and antibiofilm properties of these composites compared with one another with the focus on composite use in prosthetic Total Joint Replacements (TJRs). This secondment will increase our expertise and understanding of the microbiology and measurement of biofilm development and inhibition, which are a strategic focus in Shimyatech's R&D ventures (i.e. antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiviral properties). Many Western countries face an aging population and increased prevalence of TJRs which is accompanied by increasing rate of Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). TJR procedures have been increasingly employed as a strategy to improve mobility in older age. TJR, caused by microbial contamination during surgery, are devastating complications of TJRs and are related to high levels of morbidity and mortality. The economic burden on healthcare systems for the treatment of PJIs is vast, exacerbated by increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance to drugs usually used to treat them. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the development of new, material-based solutions to reduce PJIs for the protection of our national healthcare system and patients and this unmet need is something we are well placed to address. The project aligns well with the ICSF challenge "Healthy ageing", which places emphasis on the importance of remaining active, productive and independent in old age. In an ageing population the reduction of PJIs is a major factor in improving the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from Shimyatech: This project represents the early stages of a translational outcome for Shimyatech, advancing the devised technology from a laboratory scale experimental project to real-world product used in a medical setting. • The developed technology was tested on metals frequently used for medical implants (i.e. Titanium and Stainless Steel) giving us results translatable to the technologies real-world use case. The use of the Liverpool biofilm device (LBD) provided by LSTM also allowed us to emulate in vitro conditions more accurately than using standard assays. A major outcome in this project included advancing the "Technology readiness level" (TRL) of the functionalisation method. We can be considered to have advanced the TRL from stage 2 to around stage 3 'Experimental proof-of-concept' as an experimental protocol was defined and has commenced being used for the technologies efficacy validation. More experimental studies are required (i.e. with sample sizes n=10+) to advance the TRL to stage 4 where high level optimisation will take place, and the early stages of how this can be achieved was defined in this project. • The project created an opportunity for LSTM to test its Liverpool Biofilm Device (LBD) against a standard well assay. as a part of this project Advantages of the LBD compared to the standard assay were demonstrated. LSTM hopes this will lead to IP registration and paper publication. • The modified slides were characterised with surface analytical techniques (FT-IR, Contact angle, SEM, EDS and XPS) to confirm the presence and structure of coated materials. • The commercialisation and exploitation of the new technology for various products including medical implants, frequently touched metal surfaces in public places, fabrics and textiles, wound care and filters are planned by Shimyatech Ltd. • The project supported to start and maintain a strong collaboration between Shimyatech Ltd, LSTM, Liverpool University and Keele University and the consortium aims to continue their collaboration to apply for further research funding and publish the results in this project. • Multidisciplinary training of Shimyatech employee whom is a Chemical Engineer by trade but was trained in microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture in both liquid and solid media, aseptic technique, biofilm staining and solubilisation, 24 hour growth curves, and usage of specialised equipment (plate readers, Clariostars) to the extent of being completely self-sufficient with no requirement of supervision. • The project provided precursor data which could support a future grant application or publication which could potentially benefit Shimyatech LTD in future stages of the products development. • This project created an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience between the R&D company and LSTM to acquire microbiology, biofilm testing, nanocoatings and chemistry of surfaces and their applications in certain areas. This was also supported by effective communications and group meetings. Further work: Following this project, Shimyatech Ltd and LSTM are now in a position to proceed with further advancement of the technology leading to the exploitation and dissemination of the results. In the near future, we are aiming to: • File a patent based on the previously developed technology, the results in this project can support the considered application in medical devices. • Jointly publish the bulk of the results in the corresponding leading journals. • Apply for further funding to advance TRL of the project leading to commercialisation of new products. • Shimyatech Ltd has recently approached LCR ventures for possible support and capital investment on the products. This requires TRL at a higher TRL (5,6) to achieve. We are going to apply to suitable calls for funding to national and EU funding bodies. A local organisation (LYVALABS) and Innovate UK EDGE have been approached to seek support for commercialisation and funding applications. We are hoping that NBIC is able to further support this project to achieve its final goals including further grant applications, networking with members and approaching medical device manufacturers and industries leading to the commercialisation of the products.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_021 Novel Antibiofilm Nanocomposite Functionalities for Metal Implants (NANOMI) (Faradin Mirkhalaf) 
Organisation ShimyaTech Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution In the proposed secondment at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), we aim to create, characterise and measure the anti-Biofilm properties of novel nanocomposite surfaces developed by Shimyatech. The proposed work builds upon a preliminary study carried out by the main applicant with LSTM which was funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Different functional nanocomposites will be electrochemically, and chemically, attached to metallic surfaces and antibiofilm properties of these composites compared with one another with the focus on composite use in prosthetic Total Joint Replacements (TJRs). This secondment will increase our expertise and understanding of the microbiology and measurement of biofilm development and inhibition, which are a strategic focus in Shimyatech's R&D ventures (i.e. antibacterial, antibiofilm, antiviral properties). Many Western countries face an aging population and increased prevalence of TJRs which is accompanied by increasing rate of Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). TJR procedures have been increasingly employed as a strategy to improve mobility in older age. TJR, caused by microbial contamination during surgery, are devastating complications of TJRs and are related to high levels of morbidity and mortality. The economic burden on healthcare systems for the treatment of PJIs is vast, exacerbated by increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance to drugs usually used to treat them. There is, therefore, an urgent need for the development of new, material-based solutions to reduce PJIs for the protection of our national healthcare system and patients and this unmet need is something we are well placed to address. The project aligns well with the ICSF challenge "Healthy ageing", which places emphasis on the importance of remaining active, productive and independent in old age. In an ageing population the reduction of PJIs is a major factor in improving the quality of life and independence of elderly individuals.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from Shimyatech: This project represents the early stages of a translational outcome for Shimyatech, advancing the devised technology from a laboratory scale experimental project to real-world product used in a medical setting. • The developed technology was tested on metals frequently used for medical implants (i.e. Titanium and Stainless Steel) giving us results translatable to the technologies real-world use case. The use of the Liverpool biofilm device (LBD) provided by LSTM also allowed us to emulate in vitro conditions more accurately than using standard assays. A major outcome in this project included advancing the "Technology readiness level" (TRL) of the functionalisation method. We can be considered to have advanced the TRL from stage 2 to around stage 3 'Experimental proof-of-concept' as an experimental protocol was defined and has commenced being used for the technologies efficacy validation. More experimental studies are required (i.e. with sample sizes n=10+) to advance the TRL to stage 4 where high level optimisation will take place, and the early stages of how this can be achieved was defined in this project. • The project created an opportunity for LSTM to test its Liverpool Biofilm Device (LBD) against a standard well assay. as a part of this project Advantages of the LBD compared to the standard assay were demonstrated. LSTM hopes this will lead to IP registration and paper publication. • The modified slides were characterised with surface analytical techniques (FT-IR, Contact angle, SEM, EDS and XPS) to confirm the presence and structure of coated materials. • The commercialisation and exploitation of the new technology for various products including medical implants, frequently touched metal surfaces in public places, fabrics and textiles, wound care and filters are planned by Shimyatech Ltd. • The project supported to start and maintain a strong collaboration between Shimyatech Ltd, LSTM, Liverpool University and Keele University and the consortium aims to continue their collaboration to apply for further research funding and publish the results in this project. • Multidisciplinary training of Shimyatech employee whom is a Chemical Engineer by trade but was trained in microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture in both liquid and solid media, aseptic technique, biofilm staining and solubilisation, 24 hour growth curves, and usage of specialised equipment (plate readers, Clariostars) to the extent of being completely self-sufficient with no requirement of supervision. • The project provided precursor data which could support a future grant application or publication which could potentially benefit Shimyatech LTD in future stages of the products development. • This project created an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience between the R&D company and LSTM to acquire microbiology, biofilm testing, nanocoatings and chemistry of surfaces and their applications in certain areas. This was also supported by effective communications and group meetings. Further work: Following this project, Shimyatech Ltd and LSTM are now in a position to proceed with further advancement of the technology leading to the exploitation and dissemination of the results. In the near future, we are aiming to: • File a patent based on the previously developed technology, the results in this project can support the considered application in medical devices. • Jointly publish the bulk of the results in the corresponding leading journals. • Apply for further funding to advance TRL of the project leading to commercialisation of new products. • Shimyatech Ltd has recently approached LCR ventures for possible support and capital investment on the products. This requires TRL at a higher TRL (5,6) to achieve. We are going to apply to suitable calls for funding to national and EU funding bodies. A local organisation (LYVALABS) and Innovate UK EDGE have been approached to seek support for commercialisation and funding applications. We are hoping that NBIC is able to further support this project to achieve its final goals including further grant applications, networking with members and approaching medical device manufacturers and industries leading to the commercialisation of the products.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_023 Decarbonising Wastewater Treatment using Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs): A research into the UK Water Industry Expectations and Needs (Pavlina Theodosiou) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Microbial electrochemical biofilms produce a suit of technologies that could bring the water sector to Net-Zero by recovering electricity and hydrogen from wastewater treatment. My research to date using METs has seen me: deliver low-cost sanitation with self-generated lighting in Africa (OXFAM & BMG Foundation); produce power from urine at Glastonbury Festival (BMG Foundation); 3D-print entire stackable microbial electrochemical reactors and control them robotically (FP-7); enthuse school children in generating electricity from waste using electroactive biofilms (NBIC); and currently work in projects aiming to produce hydrogen from wastewater using a combination of modelling (NBIC) and large-scale pilot MET reactors (EPSCR). I aim to become a world leading researcher working at the interface between academia and industry. I want to revolutionise the wastewater sector into an energy producer not consumer, aligning with the Clean Growth challenge theme of the ISCF, facilitating this in the UK but also in places where sanitation is currently unaffordable and unsustainable. Water companies are inherently risk-averse, hence gaining impact and in-road into this sector is proving extremely challenging. Through this secondment within the environmental consultancy Royal Haskoning DHV, I aim to build the correct skillset and an improved network to undertake market research within water companies. This market research will help us understand better the industry's demands and expectations (regarding performance and Return on Investment), enabling us to package and develop MET systems to better suit their needs. RHDHV has a proven track record in collaborating with academia to develop new technology and processes through piloting and commercialisation. This model has worked extremely well in the Netherlands, where cutting-edge wastewater and anaerobic digestion technologies were developed in collaboration with Dutch research institutes. RHDHV aims to replicate this success in the UK water sector, and hence this collaboration is extremely timely.
Collaborator Contribution Newcastle University: I have been contributing to bid development meetings with other consultancy firms and water companies. Royal HaskoningDHV: The partner has been contributing to my professional development and has been helping me in building connections with their existing network of clients and collaborators.
Impact Outcomes/Achievements: - Getting experience working in an engineering consultancy on the business development site of emerging technologies. - Built a business case in collaboration with RHDHV on MECs for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that have a Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THPs), using the NWL Howdon WWTP as the case study and the MEC pilots operated at Howdon by Newcastle University as the reference points. - Identified a new pathway for MECs which was not considered before and explored this further. This new pathway can make the MEC technology better suited for the UK and international market and improve wastewater resource recovery, helping water companies in their NetZero endeavour. - Developed understanding of the information needed in terms of cost and maintenance numbers, and ROI for building confidence around an emerging technology to prospective clients (i.e. water companies) Impact: - Broaden Pavlina's horizons in emerging technologies for wastewater treatment and the imminent issues we need to tackle to reduce carbon emissions and reach NetZero - Learnt how to cost a project, calculate ROIs, OPEX, CAPEX - Helped Pavlina understand what a process engineer and consultant career entails and realise that she is interested in pursuing a career path outside academia and, more specifically, in the water sector - RHDHV benefited from this project by getting in touch with a technology we are not familiar with and discovered the potential benefits of it that can contribute to solve some major challenges the water industry is facing. Direct next steps: - Secured £20k funding to start in May the Biofilms iCure Sprint to take this project to the next level by validating the technology through market research - Arranged meetings with Innovation Managers from 3 water companies: NWL, SevernTrent and Scottish Water and present to them the business case to raise awareness about this technology, its prospects and get interest for possible future funding - Submitting a proposal to EBNET for a proof-of-concept project based on the new technology pathway towards ammonia recovery that was discovered throughout this project - Organising an Industry Technical Visit/Event in collaboration with the Institute of Water to the BeWise Facility that currently houses the 3 Pilot scale MEC reactors in order to promote the technology to water companies and the supply chain - Submitted an abstract to the ISMET 8 conference regarding the outcomes of this project and the lessons learnt
Start Year 2022
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_023 Decarbonising Wastewater Treatment using Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs): A research into the UK Water Industry Expectations and Needs (Pavlina Theodosiou) 
Organisation Newcastle University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Microbial electrochemical biofilms produce a suit of technologies that could bring the water sector to Net-Zero by recovering electricity and hydrogen from wastewater treatment. My research to date using METs has seen me: deliver low-cost sanitation with self-generated lighting in Africa (OXFAM & BMG Foundation); produce power from urine at Glastonbury Festival (BMG Foundation); 3D-print entire stackable microbial electrochemical reactors and control them robotically (FP-7); enthuse school children in generating electricity from waste using electroactive biofilms (NBIC); and currently work in projects aiming to produce hydrogen from wastewater using a combination of modelling (NBIC) and large-scale pilot MET reactors (EPSCR). I aim to become a world leading researcher working at the interface between academia and industry. I want to revolutionise the wastewater sector into an energy producer not consumer, aligning with the Clean Growth challenge theme of the ISCF, facilitating this in the UK but also in places where sanitation is currently unaffordable and unsustainable. Water companies are inherently risk-averse, hence gaining impact and in-road into this sector is proving extremely challenging. Through this secondment within the environmental consultancy Royal Haskoning DHV, I aim to build the correct skillset and an improved network to undertake market research within water companies. This market research will help us understand better the industry's demands and expectations (regarding performance and Return on Investment), enabling us to package and develop MET systems to better suit their needs. RHDHV has a proven track record in collaborating with academia to develop new technology and processes through piloting and commercialisation. This model has worked extremely well in the Netherlands, where cutting-edge wastewater and anaerobic digestion technologies were developed in collaboration with Dutch research institutes. RHDHV aims to replicate this success in the UK water sector, and hence this collaboration is extremely timely.
Collaborator Contribution Newcastle University: I have been contributing to bid development meetings with other consultancy firms and water companies. Royal HaskoningDHV: The partner has been contributing to my professional development and has been helping me in building connections with their existing network of clients and collaborators.
Impact Outcomes/Achievements: - Getting experience working in an engineering consultancy on the business development site of emerging technologies. - Built a business case in collaboration with RHDHV on MECs for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that have a Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THPs), using the NWL Howdon WWTP as the case study and the MEC pilots operated at Howdon by Newcastle University as the reference points. - Identified a new pathway for MECs which was not considered before and explored this further. This new pathway can make the MEC technology better suited for the UK and international market and improve wastewater resource recovery, helping water companies in their NetZero endeavour. - Developed understanding of the information needed in terms of cost and maintenance numbers, and ROI for building confidence around an emerging technology to prospective clients (i.e. water companies) Impact: - Broaden Pavlina's horizons in emerging technologies for wastewater treatment and the imminent issues we need to tackle to reduce carbon emissions and reach NetZero - Learnt how to cost a project, calculate ROIs, OPEX, CAPEX - Helped Pavlina understand what a process engineer and consultant career entails and realise that she is interested in pursuing a career path outside academia and, more specifically, in the water sector - RHDHV benefited from this project by getting in touch with a technology we are not familiar with and discovered the potential benefits of it that can contribute to solve some major challenges the water industry is facing. Direct next steps: - Secured £20k funding to start in May the Biofilms iCure Sprint to take this project to the next level by validating the technology through market research - Arranged meetings with Innovation Managers from 3 water companies: NWL, SevernTrent and Scottish Water and present to them the business case to raise awareness about this technology, its prospects and get interest for possible future funding - Submitting a proposal to EBNET for a proof-of-concept project based on the new technology pathway towards ammonia recovery that was discovered throughout this project - Organising an Industry Technical Visit/Event in collaboration with the Institute of Water to the BeWise Facility that currently houses the 3 Pilot scale MEC reactors in order to promote the technology to water companies and the supply chain - Submitted an abstract to the ISMET 8 conference regarding the outcomes of this project and the lessons learnt
Start Year 2022
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_023 Decarbonising Wastewater Treatment using Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs): A research into the UK Water Industry Expectations and Needs (Pavlina Theodosiou) 
Organisation Royal HaskoningDHV
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Microbial electrochemical biofilms produce a suit of technologies that could bring the water sector to Net-Zero by recovering electricity and hydrogen from wastewater treatment. My research to date using METs has seen me: deliver low-cost sanitation with self-generated lighting in Africa (OXFAM & BMG Foundation); produce power from urine at Glastonbury Festival (BMG Foundation); 3D-print entire stackable microbial electrochemical reactors and control them robotically (FP-7); enthuse school children in generating electricity from waste using electroactive biofilms (NBIC); and currently work in projects aiming to produce hydrogen from wastewater using a combination of modelling (NBIC) and large-scale pilot MET reactors (EPSCR). I aim to become a world leading researcher working at the interface between academia and industry. I want to revolutionise the wastewater sector into an energy producer not consumer, aligning with the Clean Growth challenge theme of the ISCF, facilitating this in the UK but also in places where sanitation is currently unaffordable and unsustainable. Water companies are inherently risk-averse, hence gaining impact and in-road into this sector is proving extremely challenging. Through this secondment within the environmental consultancy Royal Haskoning DHV, I aim to build the correct skillset and an improved network to undertake market research within water companies. This market research will help us understand better the industry's demands and expectations (regarding performance and Return on Investment), enabling us to package and develop MET systems to better suit their needs. RHDHV has a proven track record in collaborating with academia to develop new technology and processes through piloting and commercialisation. This model has worked extremely well in the Netherlands, where cutting-edge wastewater and anaerobic digestion technologies were developed in collaboration with Dutch research institutes. RHDHV aims to replicate this success in the UK water sector, and hence this collaboration is extremely timely.
Collaborator Contribution Newcastle University: I have been contributing to bid development meetings with other consultancy firms and water companies. Royal HaskoningDHV: The partner has been contributing to my professional development and has been helping me in building connections with their existing network of clients and collaborators.
Impact Outcomes/Achievements: - Getting experience working in an engineering consultancy on the business development site of emerging technologies. - Built a business case in collaboration with RHDHV on MECs for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that have a Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THPs), using the NWL Howdon WWTP as the case study and the MEC pilots operated at Howdon by Newcastle University as the reference points. - Identified a new pathway for MECs which was not considered before and explored this further. This new pathway can make the MEC technology better suited for the UK and international market and improve wastewater resource recovery, helping water companies in their NetZero endeavour. - Developed understanding of the information needed in terms of cost and maintenance numbers, and ROI for building confidence around an emerging technology to prospective clients (i.e. water companies) Impact: - Broaden Pavlina's horizons in emerging technologies for wastewater treatment and the imminent issues we need to tackle to reduce carbon emissions and reach NetZero - Learnt how to cost a project, calculate ROIs, OPEX, CAPEX - Helped Pavlina understand what a process engineer and consultant career entails and realise that she is interested in pursuing a career path outside academia and, more specifically, in the water sector - RHDHV benefited from this project by getting in touch with a technology we are not familiar with and discovered the potential benefits of it that can contribute to solve some major challenges the water industry is facing. Direct next steps: - Secured £20k funding to start in May the Biofilms iCure Sprint to take this project to the next level by validating the technology through market research - Arranged meetings with Innovation Managers from 3 water companies: NWL, SevernTrent and Scottish Water and present to them the business case to raise awareness about this technology, its prospects and get interest for possible future funding - Submitting a proposal to EBNET for a proof-of-concept project based on the new technology pathway towards ammonia recovery that was discovered throughout this project - Organising an Industry Technical Visit/Event in collaboration with the Institute of Water to the BeWise Facility that currently houses the 3 Pilot scale MEC reactors in order to promote the technology to water companies and the supply chain - Submitted an abstract to the ISMET 8 conference regarding the outcomes of this project and the lessons learnt
Start Year 2022
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_026 Nano-modification of textile surface with antimicrobial and antibiofilm features for wound dressing (Ying Yang) 
Organisation Keele University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This FTMA application addresses the 'Aging society' challenge outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy, specifically on management of chronic wounds. In the current society with its aging population, chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous leg ulcers are an increasingly medical concern. Without skin protection and priming with blood and constant interstitial fluid, the wound offers an optimal environment for bacteria growth and biofilm formation. Biofilm development in wounds is now recognized not only as a precursor to infection but also as a cause of delayed healing. Development of a robust anti-biofilm wound dressing can address this challenge and improve quality of life in an aging population. In the past years, our group and the industrial partner, ShimyaTech, have developed novel techniques to fight biofilms. In Keele, we have isolated new antimicrobial peptides (AMP) from plant, bacteria, and designed synthetic biomimetic AMP for surface modification with new coupling methods for the robust attachment of AMP to metallic surfaces. ShimyaTech has established new processing techniques for incorporation of bactericide nanoparticles onto surfaces by electro- or electroless deposition approaches. The aim of this project is to combine the anti-biofilm strategies, highlighted above, for textile surface treatment into a new type of wound dressing material. This will be achieved through ShimyaTech-based secondment with the following objectives: 1) Optimize electroless deposition approach to introduce gold or silver nanoparticles onto textile surfaces, e.g. cotton, sodium carboxymethylcellulose 2) Covalently bind two AMPs (nisin, a plant cyclotide) to the textile surface through new coupling agent, diazonium, or gold nanoparticles 3) Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing We anticipate the secondment will not only generate proof-of-concept data for the dual treatment technique for future UKRI grant application, but also will greatly enhance the industrialized perspective and cross-sector skill for the nominated postdoctoral fellow.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: The main aims that were addressed and outcomes achieved through the completion of this collaborative project were: 1. Define and refine techniques to incorporate silver and gold nanoparticles onto fabrics Active functionalising agents were synthesised and subsequently used to functionalise wound dressings to act as templates to facilitate the binding of silver/gold nanoparticles. Different functionalities were tested including carboxyl, nitro and amino groups as part of the refinement process to enhance grafting efficiency and anti-microbial action. The incorporation of different chemical functionalities had a direct impact on the subsequent binding of gold/silver nanoparticles. Standardised protocols have been developed for these procedures to achieve reproducible functionalised fabrics for testing purposes. New active functionalities were produced which we aim to publish in scientific journals and form the basis of the IP surrounding functionalisation. 2. Optimize the electro/electroless deposition approaches to introduce silver or gold nanoparticles onto textile surfaces Electrodeposition is routinely used in the industrial manufacturing processes but typically used to introduce metals on the surface of solid metallic surfaces. This approach was trialled to facilitate metal nanoparticle deposition on the surface of non-conductive materials (wound dressings). This technology circumvents the use of strong reducing agents traditionally used which are harmful to health and to the environment. Significant cost savings are achieved through this approach with the much-reduced amounts of metal salts needed for the production of the anti-biofilm wound dressings. 3. Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing A range of modified fabrics were produced with different functionalities and subsequent methods of silver nanoparticle attachment. Anti-biofilm testing at The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine for two bacterial strains of significant medical interest: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA showed very promising results for the effectiveness of the modified wound dressings. Bacterial growth was seen to be inhibited in all silver modified wound dressings compared to controls, however, specific functionalities used to bind silver nanoparticles to the wound dressings were shown to be particularly effective in eliminating bacteria based on absorption readings of overnight cultures. Future work: Following the completion of proof-of-principle studies, optimisations including the incorporation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) will be trialled. These studies are aimed to assess a potential further improvement of the antibiofilm wound dressings and to assess any additive effects of dual AMP/silver/gold fabrics. Further anti-biofilm testing would be implemented. The next step in the development of the anti-biofilm wound dressings include biocompatibility testing which will be conducted through in vitro cell cultures and metabolic assays to identify and cytotoxic effects. Conversations will now be sought with clinical personnel to help in the development of the wound dressings to aid in the design to have the most significant impact based on clinical needs. The new collaboration consortium comprising Keele University, Shimyatech and The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been established to apply for new grant application. We are working on protection of IP, generation of at least one publication and preparation of further grant funding applications.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_026 Nano-modification of textile surface with antimicrobial and antibiofilm features for wound dressing (Ying Yang) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This FTMA application addresses the 'Aging society' challenge outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy, specifically on management of chronic wounds. In the current society with its aging population, chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous leg ulcers are an increasingly medical concern. Without skin protection and priming with blood and constant interstitial fluid, the wound offers an optimal environment for bacteria growth and biofilm formation. Biofilm development in wounds is now recognized not only as a precursor to infection but also as a cause of delayed healing. Development of a robust anti-biofilm wound dressing can address this challenge and improve quality of life in an aging population. In the past years, our group and the industrial partner, ShimyaTech, have developed novel techniques to fight biofilms. In Keele, we have isolated new antimicrobial peptides (AMP) from plant, bacteria, and designed synthetic biomimetic AMP for surface modification with new coupling methods for the robust attachment of AMP to metallic surfaces. ShimyaTech has established new processing techniques for incorporation of bactericide nanoparticles onto surfaces by electro- or electroless deposition approaches. The aim of this project is to combine the anti-biofilm strategies, highlighted above, for textile surface treatment into a new type of wound dressing material. This will be achieved through ShimyaTech-based secondment with the following objectives: 1) Optimize electroless deposition approach to introduce gold or silver nanoparticles onto textile surfaces, e.g. cotton, sodium carboxymethylcellulose 2) Covalently bind two AMPs (nisin, a plant cyclotide) to the textile surface through new coupling agent, diazonium, or gold nanoparticles 3) Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing We anticipate the secondment will not only generate proof-of-concept data for the dual treatment technique for future UKRI grant application, but also will greatly enhance the industrialized perspective and cross-sector skill for the nominated postdoctoral fellow.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: The main aims that were addressed and outcomes achieved through the completion of this collaborative project were: 1. Define and refine techniques to incorporate silver and gold nanoparticles onto fabrics Active functionalising agents were synthesised and subsequently used to functionalise wound dressings to act as templates to facilitate the binding of silver/gold nanoparticles. Different functionalities were tested including carboxyl, nitro and amino groups as part of the refinement process to enhance grafting efficiency and anti-microbial action. The incorporation of different chemical functionalities had a direct impact on the subsequent binding of gold/silver nanoparticles. Standardised protocols have been developed for these procedures to achieve reproducible functionalised fabrics for testing purposes. New active functionalities were produced which we aim to publish in scientific journals and form the basis of the IP surrounding functionalisation. 2. Optimize the electro/electroless deposition approaches to introduce silver or gold nanoparticles onto textile surfaces Electrodeposition is routinely used in the industrial manufacturing processes but typically used to introduce metals on the surface of solid metallic surfaces. This approach was trialled to facilitate metal nanoparticle deposition on the surface of non-conductive materials (wound dressings). This technology circumvents the use of strong reducing agents traditionally used which are harmful to health and to the environment. Significant cost savings are achieved through this approach with the much-reduced amounts of metal salts needed for the production of the anti-biofilm wound dressings. 3. Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing A range of modified fabrics were produced with different functionalities and subsequent methods of silver nanoparticle attachment. Anti-biofilm testing at The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine for two bacterial strains of significant medical interest: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA showed very promising results for the effectiveness of the modified wound dressings. Bacterial growth was seen to be inhibited in all silver modified wound dressings compared to controls, however, specific functionalities used to bind silver nanoparticles to the wound dressings were shown to be particularly effective in eliminating bacteria based on absorption readings of overnight cultures. Future work: Following the completion of proof-of-principle studies, optimisations including the incorporation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) will be trialled. These studies are aimed to assess a potential further improvement of the antibiofilm wound dressings and to assess any additive effects of dual AMP/silver/gold fabrics. Further anti-biofilm testing would be implemented. The next step in the development of the anti-biofilm wound dressings include biocompatibility testing which will be conducted through in vitro cell cultures and metabolic assays to identify and cytotoxic effects. Conversations will now be sought with clinical personnel to help in the development of the wound dressings to aid in the design to have the most significant impact based on clinical needs. The new collaboration consortium comprising Keele University, Shimyatech and The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been established to apply for new grant application. We are working on protection of IP, generation of at least one publication and preparation of further grant funding applications.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_026 Nano-modification of textile surface with antimicrobial and antibiofilm features for wound dressing (Ying Yang) 
Organisation ShimyaTech Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This FTMA application addresses the 'Aging society' challenge outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy, specifically on management of chronic wounds. In the current society with its aging population, chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous leg ulcers are an increasingly medical concern. Without skin protection and priming with blood and constant interstitial fluid, the wound offers an optimal environment for bacteria growth and biofilm formation. Biofilm development in wounds is now recognized not only as a precursor to infection but also as a cause of delayed healing. Development of a robust anti-biofilm wound dressing can address this challenge and improve quality of life in an aging population. In the past years, our group and the industrial partner, ShimyaTech, have developed novel techniques to fight biofilms. In Keele, we have isolated new antimicrobial peptides (AMP) from plant, bacteria, and designed synthetic biomimetic AMP for surface modification with new coupling methods for the robust attachment of AMP to metallic surfaces. ShimyaTech has established new processing techniques for incorporation of bactericide nanoparticles onto surfaces by electro- or electroless deposition approaches. The aim of this project is to combine the anti-biofilm strategies, highlighted above, for textile surface treatment into a new type of wound dressing material. This will be achieved through ShimyaTech-based secondment with the following objectives: 1) Optimize electroless deposition approach to introduce gold or silver nanoparticles onto textile surfaces, e.g. cotton, sodium carboxymethylcellulose 2) Covalently bind two AMPs (nisin, a plant cyclotide) to the textile surface through new coupling agent, diazonium, or gold nanoparticles 3) Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing We anticipate the secondment will not only generate proof-of-concept data for the dual treatment technique for future UKRI grant application, but also will greatly enhance the industrialized perspective and cross-sector skill for the nominated postdoctoral fellow.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: The main aims that were addressed and outcomes achieved through the completion of this collaborative project were: 1. Define and refine techniques to incorporate silver and gold nanoparticles onto fabrics Active functionalising agents were synthesised and subsequently used to functionalise wound dressings to act as templates to facilitate the binding of silver/gold nanoparticles. Different functionalities were tested including carboxyl, nitro and amino groups as part of the refinement process to enhance grafting efficiency and anti-microbial action. The incorporation of different chemical functionalities had a direct impact on the subsequent binding of gold/silver nanoparticles. Standardised protocols have been developed for these procedures to achieve reproducible functionalised fabrics for testing purposes. New active functionalities were produced which we aim to publish in scientific journals and form the basis of the IP surrounding functionalisation. 2. Optimize the electro/electroless deposition approaches to introduce silver or gold nanoparticles onto textile surfaces Electrodeposition is routinely used in the industrial manufacturing processes but typically used to introduce metals on the surface of solid metallic surfaces. This approach was trialled to facilitate metal nanoparticle deposition on the surface of non-conductive materials (wound dressings). This technology circumvents the use of strong reducing agents traditionally used which are harmful to health and to the environment. Significant cost savings are achieved through this approach with the much-reduced amounts of metal salts needed for the production of the anti-biofilm wound dressings. 3. Assess and compare the anti-biofilm capacity of the new wound dressing A range of modified fabrics were produced with different functionalities and subsequent methods of silver nanoparticle attachment. Anti-biofilm testing at The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine for two bacterial strains of significant medical interest: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA showed very promising results for the effectiveness of the modified wound dressings. Bacterial growth was seen to be inhibited in all silver modified wound dressings compared to controls, however, specific functionalities used to bind silver nanoparticles to the wound dressings were shown to be particularly effective in eliminating bacteria based on absorption readings of overnight cultures. Future work: Following the completion of proof-of-principle studies, optimisations including the incorporation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) will be trialled. These studies are aimed to assess a potential further improvement of the antibiofilm wound dressings and to assess any additive effects of dual AMP/silver/gold fabrics. Further anti-biofilm testing would be implemented. The next step in the development of the anti-biofilm wound dressings include biocompatibility testing which will be conducted through in vitro cell cultures and metabolic assays to identify and cytotoxic effects. Conversations will now be sought with clinical personnel to help in the development of the wound dressings to aid in the design to have the most significant impact based on clinical needs. The new collaboration consortium comprising Keele University, Shimyatech and The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been established to apply for new grant application. We are working on protection of IP, generation of at least one publication and preparation of further grant funding applications.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_027 The limit of detection for bacteria, biofilms, and the viable but nonculturable state, of Bactiscan (Callum Highmore) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Bactiscan is a UV based micro-organism detection technology that allows microbial contaminants to be detected by the naked eye. It has the potential to become a disruptive technology to the food sector, and aligns with ISCF 'Transforming food production' priority. In food production, Bactiscan could facilitate the large scale reduction of product recalls, foodborne disease outbreaks, and food waste. Its widespread adoption would work towards a streamlined, more efficient system of food production. While proven effective in food production settings, unanswered microbiological questions remain about the sensitivity of Bactiscan and its ability to detect industrially relevant bacterial phenotypes: early stage biofilms and viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. This project allows the research team Callum Highmore and Kirsty Cooper to work with the company to collect contamination samples from food production sites to verify their findings in a case study. The FTMA co-recipients will gain experience working with the company and the food production environment. It will also allow for the use of Bactiscan technology to determine its detection limits for pathogens via simple microbiological methods e.g. culture techniques and confocal microscopy, and establish its parameters of detection of early-stage and mature biofilms and VBNC foodborne pathogens. A report will be generated for EIT International and Bactiview, and a short scientific journal article will be produced which will benefit the adoption of Bactiview by the food industry and the co-recipients of the FTMA as a highly cited article that will enhance their research profiles and outputs. This pilot study could lead to a longer partnership with Bactiview and EIT International, with future studies focusing on the mechanism of fluorescence and detection, and differentiation of species by Bactiscan. Working closely with industry partners will provide the research team with valuable experience as the UK funding landscape brings academia and industry closer together.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: The detection limit for Bactiscan for 4 foodborne pathogen species was found, measured in ambient laboratory light, and in darkness. Concentration and volume were taken into account for, where it was found that concentration of bacteria was a more significant factor than volume of contamination spot, and detection limits ranged from 1.9*10^7 CFU (L. monocytogenes) to 2.4*10^6 CFU (S. enterica). No differences in brightness or colour were observed between fluorescence of different bacterial species, and level of lighting had a limited effect on the ability to observe bacterial contamination by Bactiscan. These data allow Biopharma Group to answer frequent questions from consumers in the food industry, and permit a more comprehensive comparison of Bactiscan against other detection methods used in the sector. Biofilms for each species were grown for 10 days at room temperature and at 37oC, they were observed by Bactiscan daily in an attempt to detect them via fluorescence. By day 4, 80% of the biofilms could be detected by eye for all species under optimal conditions (grown at 37oC, observed in darkness), where E. coli and L. monocytogenes could be consistently detected from day 2. Further analyses were conducted via confocal microscopy, in which total cell numbers were counted and percentage of live and dead cells were measured for each biofilm for each species for the first 3 days of growth. E. coli and L. monocytogenes biofilms had high proportions of live cells in their biofilms (65% and 87% at day 3, respectively) which corresponded to higher visibility with Bactiscan. S. aureus detection by Bactiscan was correlated more closely to an increase in total cell numbers in the biofilm than to the number of living cells. To assess whether Bactiscan can detect dead and stressed cells, bacteria were heat killed at 70oC or stressed with 50ppm chlorine for 5 minutes. Heat killing the bacteria did not affect the ability of Bactiscan to detect any of the species tested, meaning that Bactiscan can detect dead cells. Chlorine stressed E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica were detectable by Bactiscan in darkness despite fluorescing less brightly than untreated cell populations. This suggests that chlorine stress interferes with the S-layer target of Bactiscan fluorescence, but not prohibitively. In daylight, chlorine stressed E. coli and S. enterica were not detectable by Bactiscan. This further provides evidence that the S-layer is interfered with by chlorine stress, as the Gram-positive L. monocytogenes was more detectable following chlorine treatment than the Gram-negative species tested, and the S-layer on Gram-positive bacteria may be better supported by a thick lipopolysaccharide layer. The findings on biofilm detection and stress states provide Biopharma Group with new insights on how Bactiscan can be best applied to food processing factories, and places them in a better position to contrast against the industry standard of ATP testing. This project now has a near complete dataset for a paper, which will be written jointly with the company. As this is the first academic study to assess this promising technology, I am expecting a high level of citations as the Bactiscan device is more widely adopted into industry practices. The project has also led to other research questions that may be answered via further funding in partnership with Biopharma Group. Further work: I will complete the dataset required for a publication, which is an experiment to measure detection of bacterial contamination by Bactiscan from meat, fish, and dairy. Then, the company and I will jointly write the manuscript for publication. We will meet at the end of September to discuss potential further funding opportunities to study the underlying physical mechanism of bacterial fluorescence with Bactiscan, and the implications that has on detection of bacteria in food processing environments. Support is not needed at this time, beyond dissemination of future funding calls when they arise.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_027 The limit of detection for bacteria, biofilms, and the viable but nonculturable state, of Bactiscan (Callum Highmore) 
Organisation University of Southampton
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Bactiscan is a UV based micro-organism detection technology that allows microbial contaminants to be detected by the naked eye. It has the potential to become a disruptive technology to the food sector, and aligns with ISCF 'Transforming food production' priority. In food production, Bactiscan could facilitate the large scale reduction of product recalls, foodborne disease outbreaks, and food waste. Its widespread adoption would work towards a streamlined, more efficient system of food production. While proven effective in food production settings, unanswered microbiological questions remain about the sensitivity of Bactiscan and its ability to detect industrially relevant bacterial phenotypes: early stage biofilms and viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. This project allows the research team Callum Highmore and Kirsty Cooper to work with the company to collect contamination samples from food production sites to verify their findings in a case study. The FTMA co-recipients will gain experience working with the company and the food production environment. It will also allow for the use of Bactiscan technology to determine its detection limits for pathogens via simple microbiological methods e.g. culture techniques and confocal microscopy, and establish its parameters of detection of early-stage and mature biofilms and VBNC foodborne pathogens. A report will be generated for EIT International and Bactiview, and a short scientific journal article will be produced which will benefit the adoption of Bactiview by the food industry and the co-recipients of the FTMA as a highly cited article that will enhance their research profiles and outputs. This pilot study could lead to a longer partnership with Bactiview and EIT International, with future studies focusing on the mechanism of fluorescence and detection, and differentiation of species by Bactiscan. Working closely with industry partners will provide the research team with valuable experience as the UK funding landscape brings academia and industry closer together.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: The detection limit for Bactiscan for 4 foodborne pathogen species was found, measured in ambient laboratory light, and in darkness. Concentration and volume were taken into account for, where it was found that concentration of bacteria was a more significant factor than volume of contamination spot, and detection limits ranged from 1.9*10^7 CFU (L. monocytogenes) to 2.4*10^6 CFU (S. enterica). No differences in brightness or colour were observed between fluorescence of different bacterial species, and level of lighting had a limited effect on the ability to observe bacterial contamination by Bactiscan. These data allow Biopharma Group to answer frequent questions from consumers in the food industry, and permit a more comprehensive comparison of Bactiscan against other detection methods used in the sector. Biofilms for each species were grown for 10 days at room temperature and at 37oC, they were observed by Bactiscan daily in an attempt to detect them via fluorescence. By day 4, 80% of the biofilms could be detected by eye for all species under optimal conditions (grown at 37oC, observed in darkness), where E. coli and L. monocytogenes could be consistently detected from day 2. Further analyses were conducted via confocal microscopy, in which total cell numbers were counted and percentage of live and dead cells were measured for each biofilm for each species for the first 3 days of growth. E. coli and L. monocytogenes biofilms had high proportions of live cells in their biofilms (65% and 87% at day 3, respectively) which corresponded to higher visibility with Bactiscan. S. aureus detection by Bactiscan was correlated more closely to an increase in total cell numbers in the biofilm than to the number of living cells. To assess whether Bactiscan can detect dead and stressed cells, bacteria were heat killed at 70oC or stressed with 50ppm chlorine for 5 minutes. Heat killing the bacteria did not affect the ability of Bactiscan to detect any of the species tested, meaning that Bactiscan can detect dead cells. Chlorine stressed E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. enterica were detectable by Bactiscan in darkness despite fluorescing less brightly than untreated cell populations. This suggests that chlorine stress interferes with the S-layer target of Bactiscan fluorescence, but not prohibitively. In daylight, chlorine stressed E. coli and S. enterica were not detectable by Bactiscan. This further provides evidence that the S-layer is interfered with by chlorine stress, as the Gram-positive L. monocytogenes was more detectable following chlorine treatment than the Gram-negative species tested, and the S-layer on Gram-positive bacteria may be better supported by a thick lipopolysaccharide layer. The findings on biofilm detection and stress states provide Biopharma Group with new insights on how Bactiscan can be best applied to food processing factories, and places them in a better position to contrast against the industry standard of ATP testing. This project now has a near complete dataset for a paper, which will be written jointly with the company. As this is the first academic study to assess this promising technology, I am expecting a high level of citations as the Bactiscan device is more widely adopted into industry practices. The project has also led to other research questions that may be answered via further funding in partnership with Biopharma Group. Further work: I will complete the dataset required for a publication, which is an experiment to measure detection of bacterial contamination by Bactiscan from meat, fish, and dairy. Then, the company and I will jointly write the manuscript for publication. We will meet at the end of September to discuss potential further funding opportunities to study the underlying physical mechanism of bacterial fluorescence with Bactiscan, and the implications that has on detection of bacteria in food processing environments. Support is not needed at this time, beyond dissemination of future funding calls when they arise.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_029 Biofilms and Regenerative Tissue Repair Scaffolds: Interaction, Influence and Sensing Technologies (Mat Hardman) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This proposal is for a two-way talent exchange between the University of Hull (Hull York Medical School) and a leading SME in the area of regenerative medicine. The FTMA funding will support the placement of a highly experienced postdoctoral researcher from the Medical School with the industry partner for a period of three months. An experienced Translational Project Manager from the industry partner will also be seconded to the University's Advanced Wound Care group for the same period (in-kind support). This two-way exchange will provide extensive training for both researcher and industrialist, facilitating a small-scale pilot study and development of the academia-industry relationship. It is envisaged that this FTMA will support at least one follow-on substantive funding application. HYMS, the academic partner, has extensive expertise in wound research and wound model development. Our understanding of host-microbe interaction and expertise in laboratory microbiome/biofilm evaluation is a particular area of strength. The industry partner has extensive expertise in medical device technology development in the wound healing field. They wish to understand how to evaluate the formation/composition of biofilms within their technologies, and explore the potential to develop novel biofilm sensing approaches. The FTMA recipient will gain industry-facing training exploring market drivers, current approaches, IP landscape and commercial opportunities, while the seconded industrialist will gain in-depth understanding of wound biofilm models and sensing opportunities. This proposal aligns closely with several challenges outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy Challenge Fund/Ageing Society theme. For example, it has the potential to support "from data to early diagnosis and precision medicine" via personalised biofilm detection, and "leading edge healthcare" via accelerated medical device development for wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Outcomes in each of the three project goals were: 1. Two-way skills training: Dr Liz Roberts embraced the opportunity to undertake skills training with Neotherix. Meetings, teleconferences and dedicated time for engagement and follow-up exposed Liz to a range of new product development and project management processes. She developed new insight into medical device regulations, intellectual property and the clinical development pathway. Dr Ramisha Rehman (Neotherix Translational Project Manager) was immersed in an active biofilm wound research group (see page 3). She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn new practical skills in biofilm laboratory research, and begin to evaluate scaffold bacteria interactions. Here, Ramisha worked with Liz and Miss Alex Kidd (another experienced member of the wound group). Hands-on experience gave Ramisha invaluable insight into available methodologies, and an opportunity to formulate further experimental opportunities. 2. Pilot data generation: The aim of pilot studies was to understand how Neotherix' innovative scaffold technology would interact with planktonic and biofilm bacteria. Prior to the FTMA no studies of this kind had been performed with this material. A first series of experiments determined the effect of scaffold material on planktonic bacterial growth versus control gauze (standard wound dressing). Briefly, sub-cultured wound-derived S. aureus or S. epidermidis were incubated overnight with 1cm2 of scaffold or gauze, followed by bacterial enumeration and confocal live/dead imaging of the scaffold (Figure 1). Pilot data indicate that the presence of scaffold inhibited the growth of planktonic S. aureus. Interestingly, confocal imaging revealed viable S. aureus and S. epidermidis adhered to the scaffold. Further analysis is required to evaluate biofilm phenotype in these samples. A second series of experiments explored the effect of scaffold on the de novo formation of S. aureus biofilm in our viable human skin model (Figure 2). While not significant, we observed a slight trend to reduced high-density biofilm bacterial numbers in the scaffold-treated group. Collectively, these pilot data provide new insight into the potential interaction of novel scaffolds and wound bacteria. 3. Two-way Knowledge exchange: Working closely over a short, focussed period has led to the identification of a number of potential new collaboration opportunities for further exploration. For example, it appears that the Hull Wound Group will be able to contribute synergistically to an ongoing collaboration between Neotherix and the University of Sheffield. An NDA has been signed to allow confidential discussions, with the goal of generating pilot data to support a joint external funding application. Future work: 1) Following on from this 3 months FTMA project, we are excited to report that University of Hull and Neotherix have agreed to jointly fund a new 3 year PhD project starting in Sept 2020. The PhD "exploring innovative regenerative scaffolds for simultaneous bacteria/host monitoring and healing promotion" will build upon the FTMA pilot work. 2) FTMA knowledge exchange activities have led us pursue two new opportunities for external funding applications with Neotherix and the Universities of Sheffield and York. Both are within NBIC remit. We will engage NBIC for further support if needed, and would like to formally acknowledge the invaluable partnering support provided by NBIC to date. 3) Dr Liz Roberts has recently moved on to a new position, combining her skills in project management and medical writing. The FTMA exchange experience contributed to her making this decision, providing an insight into career opportunities outside of Academia.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_029 Biofilms and Regenerative Tissue Repair Scaffolds: Interaction, Influence and Sensing Technologies (Mat Hardman) 
Organisation Neotherix Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This proposal is for a two-way talent exchange between the University of Hull (Hull York Medical School) and a leading SME in the area of regenerative medicine. The FTMA funding will support the placement of a highly experienced postdoctoral researcher from the Medical School with the industry partner for a period of three months. An experienced Translational Project Manager from the industry partner will also be seconded to the University's Advanced Wound Care group for the same period (in-kind support). This two-way exchange will provide extensive training for both researcher and industrialist, facilitating a small-scale pilot study and development of the academia-industry relationship. It is envisaged that this FTMA will support at least one follow-on substantive funding application. HYMS, the academic partner, has extensive expertise in wound research and wound model development. Our understanding of host-microbe interaction and expertise in laboratory microbiome/biofilm evaluation is a particular area of strength. The industry partner has extensive expertise in medical device technology development in the wound healing field. They wish to understand how to evaluate the formation/composition of biofilms within their technologies, and explore the potential to develop novel biofilm sensing approaches. The FTMA recipient will gain industry-facing training exploring market drivers, current approaches, IP landscape and commercial opportunities, while the seconded industrialist will gain in-depth understanding of wound biofilm models and sensing opportunities. This proposal aligns closely with several challenges outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy Challenge Fund/Ageing Society theme. For example, it has the potential to support "from data to early diagnosis and precision medicine" via personalised biofilm detection, and "leading edge healthcare" via accelerated medical device development for wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Outcomes in each of the three project goals were: 1. Two-way skills training: Dr Liz Roberts embraced the opportunity to undertake skills training with Neotherix. Meetings, teleconferences and dedicated time for engagement and follow-up exposed Liz to a range of new product development and project management processes. She developed new insight into medical device regulations, intellectual property and the clinical development pathway. Dr Ramisha Rehman (Neotherix Translational Project Manager) was immersed in an active biofilm wound research group (see page 3). She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn new practical skills in biofilm laboratory research, and begin to evaluate scaffold bacteria interactions. Here, Ramisha worked with Liz and Miss Alex Kidd (another experienced member of the wound group). Hands-on experience gave Ramisha invaluable insight into available methodologies, and an opportunity to formulate further experimental opportunities. 2. Pilot data generation: The aim of pilot studies was to understand how Neotherix' innovative scaffold technology would interact with planktonic and biofilm bacteria. Prior to the FTMA no studies of this kind had been performed with this material. A first series of experiments determined the effect of scaffold material on planktonic bacterial growth versus control gauze (standard wound dressing). Briefly, sub-cultured wound-derived S. aureus or S. epidermidis were incubated overnight with 1cm2 of scaffold or gauze, followed by bacterial enumeration and confocal live/dead imaging of the scaffold (Figure 1). Pilot data indicate that the presence of scaffold inhibited the growth of planktonic S. aureus. Interestingly, confocal imaging revealed viable S. aureus and S. epidermidis adhered to the scaffold. Further analysis is required to evaluate biofilm phenotype in these samples. A second series of experiments explored the effect of scaffold on the de novo formation of S. aureus biofilm in our viable human skin model (Figure 2). While not significant, we observed a slight trend to reduced high-density biofilm bacterial numbers in the scaffold-treated group. Collectively, these pilot data provide new insight into the potential interaction of novel scaffolds and wound bacteria. 3. Two-way Knowledge exchange: Working closely over a short, focussed period has led to the identification of a number of potential new collaboration opportunities for further exploration. For example, it appears that the Hull Wound Group will be able to contribute synergistically to an ongoing collaboration between Neotherix and the University of Sheffield. An NDA has been signed to allow confidential discussions, with the goal of generating pilot data to support a joint external funding application. Future work: 1) Following on from this 3 months FTMA project, we are excited to report that University of Hull and Neotherix have agreed to jointly fund a new 3 year PhD project starting in Sept 2020. The PhD "exploring innovative regenerative scaffolds for simultaneous bacteria/host monitoring and healing promotion" will build upon the FTMA pilot work. 2) FTMA knowledge exchange activities have led us pursue two new opportunities for external funding applications with Neotherix and the Universities of Sheffield and York. Both are within NBIC remit. We will engage NBIC for further support if needed, and would like to formally acknowledge the invaluable partnering support provided by NBIC to date. 3) Dr Liz Roberts has recently moved on to a new position, combining her skills in project management and medical writing. The FTMA exchange experience contributed to her making this decision, providing an insight into career opportunities outside of Academia.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_029 Biofilms and Regenerative Tissue Repair Scaffolds: Interaction, Influence and Sensing Technologies (Mat Hardman) 
Organisation University of Hull
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This proposal is for a two-way talent exchange between the University of Hull (Hull York Medical School) and a leading SME in the area of regenerative medicine. The FTMA funding will support the placement of a highly experienced postdoctoral researcher from the Medical School with the industry partner for a period of three months. An experienced Translational Project Manager from the industry partner will also be seconded to the University's Advanced Wound Care group for the same period (in-kind support). This two-way exchange will provide extensive training for both researcher and industrialist, facilitating a small-scale pilot study and development of the academia-industry relationship. It is envisaged that this FTMA will support at least one follow-on substantive funding application. HYMS, the academic partner, has extensive expertise in wound research and wound model development. Our understanding of host-microbe interaction and expertise in laboratory microbiome/biofilm evaluation is a particular area of strength. The industry partner has extensive expertise in medical device technology development in the wound healing field. They wish to understand how to evaluate the formation/composition of biofilms within their technologies, and explore the potential to develop novel biofilm sensing approaches. The FTMA recipient will gain industry-facing training exploring market drivers, current approaches, IP landscape and commercial opportunities, while the seconded industrialist will gain in-depth understanding of wound biofilm models and sensing opportunities. This proposal aligns closely with several challenges outlined in the UKRI's Industry Strategy Challenge Fund/Ageing Society theme. For example, it has the potential to support "from data to early diagnosis and precision medicine" via personalised biofilm detection, and "leading edge healthcare" via accelerated medical device development for wound care.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Outcomes in each of the three project goals were: 1. Two-way skills training: Dr Liz Roberts embraced the opportunity to undertake skills training with Neotherix. Meetings, teleconferences and dedicated time for engagement and follow-up exposed Liz to a range of new product development and project management processes. She developed new insight into medical device regulations, intellectual property and the clinical development pathway. Dr Ramisha Rehman (Neotherix Translational Project Manager) was immersed in an active biofilm wound research group (see page 3). She thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn new practical skills in biofilm laboratory research, and begin to evaluate scaffold bacteria interactions. Here, Ramisha worked with Liz and Miss Alex Kidd (another experienced member of the wound group). Hands-on experience gave Ramisha invaluable insight into available methodologies, and an opportunity to formulate further experimental opportunities. 2. Pilot data generation: The aim of pilot studies was to understand how Neotherix' innovative scaffold technology would interact with planktonic and biofilm bacteria. Prior to the FTMA no studies of this kind had been performed with this material. A first series of experiments determined the effect of scaffold material on planktonic bacterial growth versus control gauze (standard wound dressing). Briefly, sub-cultured wound-derived S. aureus or S. epidermidis were incubated overnight with 1cm2 of scaffold or gauze, followed by bacterial enumeration and confocal live/dead imaging of the scaffold (Figure 1). Pilot data indicate that the presence of scaffold inhibited the growth of planktonic S. aureus. Interestingly, confocal imaging revealed viable S. aureus and S. epidermidis adhered to the scaffold. Further analysis is required to evaluate biofilm phenotype in these samples. A second series of experiments explored the effect of scaffold on the de novo formation of S. aureus biofilm in our viable human skin model (Figure 2). While not significant, we observed a slight trend to reduced high-density biofilm bacterial numbers in the scaffold-treated group. Collectively, these pilot data provide new insight into the potential interaction of novel scaffolds and wound bacteria. 3. Two-way Knowledge exchange: Working closely over a short, focussed period has led to the identification of a number of potential new collaboration opportunities for further exploration. For example, it appears that the Hull Wound Group will be able to contribute synergistically to an ongoing collaboration between Neotherix and the University of Sheffield. An NDA has been signed to allow confidential discussions, with the goal of generating pilot data to support a joint external funding application. Future work: 1) Following on from this 3 months FTMA project, we are excited to report that University of Hull and Neotherix have agreed to jointly fund a new 3 year PhD project starting in Sept 2020. The PhD "exploring innovative regenerative scaffolds for simultaneous bacteria/host monitoring and healing promotion" will build upon the FTMA pilot work. 2) FTMA knowledge exchange activities have led us pursue two new opportunities for external funding applications with Neotherix and the Universities of Sheffield and York. Both are within NBIC remit. We will engage NBIC for further support if needed, and would like to formally acknowledge the invaluable partnering support provided by NBIC to date. 3) Dr Liz Roberts has recently moved on to a new position, combining her skills in project management and medical writing. The FTMA exchange experience contributed to her making this decision, providing an insight into career opportunities outside of Academia.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_030 Do photosynthetic biofilms form on semi-transparent solar panel? (Christopher Howe) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution General overview. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar photovoltaic energy production, allowing electricity production from semi-transparent photovoltaic materials simultaneously with crop growth. This sustainable dual land-use facilitates carbon targets, provides additional farm income (or cost reductions), and can alleviate competition for space between renewable energy installations and agriculture. Biofilms could affect the performance of solar panels. The formation of biofilms of photosynthetic microorganisms on the photo-active area of the solar panel has been already reported in several studies. In a study conducted in Brazil, the efficiency of standard solar panels was reported to decrease by 11% due the presence of a biofilm on the surface of photovoltaic panels. Our partner Polysolar needs to understand whether biofilms can also form on their own innovative semi-transparent panels, and what the consequences are. The aim of the secondment. Working with our commercial partner, we will verify the presence of biofilms on the surface of tinted semi-transparent solar panels installed by Polysolar (e.g., Greenhous, Smart-Energy-Homes and Skylight already installed in Cambridgeshire). Both surfaces (top and bottom) will be sampled because, for semitransparent solar panels, the presence of biofilms on either surface could affect the electrical output of those panels due diffused and reflected light. The samples will be taken in the lab of Prof. Howe in Cambridge where the microbiological composition of the samples will be analysed with molecular techniques based on DNA-RNA extraction. The secondment will complement the theoretical knowledge of Dr. Bombelli with practical experience. In return, Polysolar will have a clear understanding of the presence of biofilms on the installed solar panels, the nature of the organisms involved, and possible effects on the performance of the solar panels. Alignment with the UKRI's Industrial Strategy Challenge By promoting the use of low-carbon technologies the proposed project aligns well with the "Clean-Growth-Challenge".
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: How this project has helped? • This project has permitted Dr Bombelli to see how installed solar panels are kept and run in commercial and domestic environments. This has helped in understanding the potential restrictions related to real-world installations, giving him a more complete understanding of the supply-chain of solar technology. • The finding of this project will help Polysolar to refine the planning and installation of their solar panels. • This project indicates how biofilms are always present on the surface of solar panels. However, based on the optical properties (transmission spectra), the biofilms seem not to create any substantial variation in the optical properties of the panels. Having said that, to minimise the formation of biofilms, it is recommend to have panels installed at a tilted angle (>10°) and when possible routinely cleaned. Next steps: • Dr. Bombelli will present the findings described here to the Polysolar team. • A copy of the present report will be available to Polysolar and Polysolar's clients. • A further study will be planned to monitor the variation of the current output in relation with the solar radiation before and after cleaning (i.e., removal of biofilm). This will require access to an installation where the data of current output are logged. Feedback from industrial collaborator: We have been very pleased to participate in your NBIC funded project regarding sampling, understanding, and controlling biofilms found on semi-transparent photovoltaic panels installed by Polysolar. Polysolar is looking to support our customers by giving them the correct knowledge to maintain and optimise their photovoltaic systems. Thus, this project aligned very well with that aim. Our PV systems are unique in the fact that can be obscured from both sides by 'dirt' due to the transparency; one side can be affected by performance reduction, and the other side can be affected by transmitted spectrum change thus altering the aesthetics internal to the building. The outcome of this project helped Polysolar to appreciate the presence of biofilm on the solar panels installed. This could help us to improve our methods of planning and installation. We were indeed surprise to know that microbial communities including a mix of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and fungi were observed in every sample taken from the surface of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels. Whether the optical property (i.e., light transmission) of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels seemed to be not substantially affected by the presence of the superficial biofilms, the experimental technique used to investigate the biofilm could help us to follow the ageing of the panels.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_030 Do photosynthetic biofilms form on semi-transparent solar panel? (Christopher Howe) 
Organisation Polysolar
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution General overview. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar photovoltaic energy production, allowing electricity production from semi-transparent photovoltaic materials simultaneously with crop growth. This sustainable dual land-use facilitates carbon targets, provides additional farm income (or cost reductions), and can alleviate competition for space between renewable energy installations and agriculture. Biofilms could affect the performance of solar panels. The formation of biofilms of photosynthetic microorganisms on the photo-active area of the solar panel has been already reported in several studies. In a study conducted in Brazil, the efficiency of standard solar panels was reported to decrease by 11% due the presence of a biofilm on the surface of photovoltaic panels. Our partner Polysolar needs to understand whether biofilms can also form on their own innovative semi-transparent panels, and what the consequences are. The aim of the secondment. Working with our commercial partner, we will verify the presence of biofilms on the surface of tinted semi-transparent solar panels installed by Polysolar (e.g., Greenhous, Smart-Energy-Homes and Skylight already installed in Cambridgeshire). Both surfaces (top and bottom) will be sampled because, for semitransparent solar panels, the presence of biofilms on either surface could affect the electrical output of those panels due diffused and reflected light. The samples will be taken in the lab of Prof. Howe in Cambridge where the microbiological composition of the samples will be analysed with molecular techniques based on DNA-RNA extraction. The secondment will complement the theoretical knowledge of Dr. Bombelli with practical experience. In return, Polysolar will have a clear understanding of the presence of biofilms on the installed solar panels, the nature of the organisms involved, and possible effects on the performance of the solar panels. Alignment with the UKRI's Industrial Strategy Challenge By promoting the use of low-carbon technologies the proposed project aligns well with the "Clean-Growth-Challenge".
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: How this project has helped? • This project has permitted Dr Bombelli to see how installed solar panels are kept and run in commercial and domestic environments. This has helped in understanding the potential restrictions related to real-world installations, giving him a more complete understanding of the supply-chain of solar technology. • The finding of this project will help Polysolar to refine the planning and installation of their solar panels. • This project indicates how biofilms are always present on the surface of solar panels. However, based on the optical properties (transmission spectra), the biofilms seem not to create any substantial variation in the optical properties of the panels. Having said that, to minimise the formation of biofilms, it is recommend to have panels installed at a tilted angle (>10°) and when possible routinely cleaned. Next steps: • Dr. Bombelli will present the findings described here to the Polysolar team. • A copy of the present report will be available to Polysolar and Polysolar's clients. • A further study will be planned to monitor the variation of the current output in relation with the solar radiation before and after cleaning (i.e., removal of biofilm). This will require access to an installation where the data of current output are logged. Feedback from industrial collaborator: We have been very pleased to participate in your NBIC funded project regarding sampling, understanding, and controlling biofilms found on semi-transparent photovoltaic panels installed by Polysolar. Polysolar is looking to support our customers by giving them the correct knowledge to maintain and optimise their photovoltaic systems. Thus, this project aligned very well with that aim. Our PV systems are unique in the fact that can be obscured from both sides by 'dirt' due to the transparency; one side can be affected by performance reduction, and the other side can be affected by transmitted spectrum change thus altering the aesthetics internal to the building. The outcome of this project helped Polysolar to appreciate the presence of biofilm on the solar panels installed. This could help us to improve our methods of planning and installation. We were indeed surprise to know that microbial communities including a mix of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and fungi were observed in every sample taken from the surface of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels. Whether the optical property (i.e., light transmission) of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels seemed to be not substantially affected by the presence of the superficial biofilms, the experimental technique used to investigate the biofilm could help us to follow the ageing of the panels.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_030 Do photosynthetic biofilms form on semi-transparent solar panel? (Christopher Howe) 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution General overview. Agrivoltaics combines farming and solar photovoltaic energy production, allowing electricity production from semi-transparent photovoltaic materials simultaneously with crop growth. This sustainable dual land-use facilitates carbon targets, provides additional farm income (or cost reductions), and can alleviate competition for space between renewable energy installations and agriculture. Biofilms could affect the performance of solar panels. The formation of biofilms of photosynthetic microorganisms on the photo-active area of the solar panel has been already reported in several studies. In a study conducted in Brazil, the efficiency of standard solar panels was reported to decrease by 11% due the presence of a biofilm on the surface of photovoltaic panels. Our partner Polysolar needs to understand whether biofilms can also form on their own innovative semi-transparent panels, and what the consequences are. The aim of the secondment. Working with our commercial partner, we will verify the presence of biofilms on the surface of tinted semi-transparent solar panels installed by Polysolar (e.g., Greenhous, Smart-Energy-Homes and Skylight already installed in Cambridgeshire). Both surfaces (top and bottom) will be sampled because, for semitransparent solar panels, the presence of biofilms on either surface could affect the electrical output of those panels due diffused and reflected light. The samples will be taken in the lab of Prof. Howe in Cambridge where the microbiological composition of the samples will be analysed with molecular techniques based on DNA-RNA extraction. The secondment will complement the theoretical knowledge of Dr. Bombelli with practical experience. In return, Polysolar will have a clear understanding of the presence of biofilms on the installed solar panels, the nature of the organisms involved, and possible effects on the performance of the solar panels. Alignment with the UKRI's Industrial Strategy Challenge By promoting the use of low-carbon technologies the proposed project aligns well with the "Clean-Growth-Challenge".
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from academic: How this project has helped? • This project has permitted Dr Bombelli to see how installed solar panels are kept and run in commercial and domestic environments. This has helped in understanding the potential restrictions related to real-world installations, giving him a more complete understanding of the supply-chain of solar technology. • The finding of this project will help Polysolar to refine the planning and installation of their solar panels. • This project indicates how biofilms are always present on the surface of solar panels. However, based on the optical properties (transmission spectra), the biofilms seem not to create any substantial variation in the optical properties of the panels. Having said that, to minimise the formation of biofilms, it is recommend to have panels installed at a tilted angle (>10°) and when possible routinely cleaned. Next steps: • Dr. Bombelli will present the findings described here to the Polysolar team. • A copy of the present report will be available to Polysolar and Polysolar's clients. • A further study will be planned to monitor the variation of the current output in relation with the solar radiation before and after cleaning (i.e., removal of biofilm). This will require access to an installation where the data of current output are logged. Feedback from industrial collaborator: We have been very pleased to participate in your NBIC funded project regarding sampling, understanding, and controlling biofilms found on semi-transparent photovoltaic panels installed by Polysolar. Polysolar is looking to support our customers by giving them the correct knowledge to maintain and optimise their photovoltaic systems. Thus, this project aligned very well with that aim. Our PV systems are unique in the fact that can be obscured from both sides by 'dirt' due to the transparency; one side can be affected by performance reduction, and the other side can be affected by transmitted spectrum change thus altering the aesthetics internal to the building. The outcome of this project helped Polysolar to appreciate the presence of biofilm on the solar panels installed. This could help us to improve our methods of planning and installation. We were indeed surprise to know that microbial communities including a mix of bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and fungi were observed in every sample taken from the surface of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels. Whether the optical property (i.e., light transmission) of the tinted semi-transparent solar panels seemed to be not substantially affected by the presence of the superficial biofilms, the experimental technique used to investigate the biofilm could help us to follow the ageing of the panels.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_032 Recruitment of partners for participation in the clinical implementation of a new Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm antimicrobial combination trial (James Harrison) 
Organisation Aston University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Mycobacterium abscessus is an environmental opportunistic human pathogen that can easily form difficult to eradicate biofilms within the lungs of patients with underlying respiratory conditions (such as cystic fibrosis (CF)). These infections are extremely difficult to treat, requiring at least 13 months of combined intravenous and nebulised antimicrobial treatment, partly due to the ability of M. abscessus to form biofilms, which leads to a 30% survival rate. M. abscessus infections are rising within the CF population annually, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic methods, as evidenced by the UKRI's Industry Strategy Challenge 'Leading-Edge Healthcare Challenge', particularly the development and delivery of new drugs. We have identified a new combination of antimicrobial compounds, including utilising a new betalactamase inhibitor, relebactam, which are effective at inhibiting a range of clinical M. abscessus isolates in vitro. However, our results to date have only involved actively growing planktonic cells, and now, biofilms. This combination has to date been used once in a human patient, who was unfortunately too far in their disease progression for survival. Despite this, there were clear improvements in their M. abscessus infection during the treatment period. With this in mind, my aims for this project are to engage clinicians and biofilm researchers, particularly those within the CF field, in order to build a new network between academic and clinical partners. We hope to explore antibiofilm activity of these compounds through the network, which is an important step for progression of any future M. abscessus treatment. I aim to visit clinicians around the UK to present our data and recruit them into the network. As an early career researcher, this will support my personal development by challenging me to identify and communicate with potential partners and also provide me with experience of effectively presenting scientific data to a non-research audience.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from Aston University: We have successfully developed a network of clinical M. abscessus isolate supply to Aston University, involving clinical partners nationally. A number of these partners are interested in being involved in a future clinical trial. We are planning to organise a meeting with all partners to share the outcomes of this national study into the efficacy of the antimicrobial combination against these different clinical isolates. Future work: Following the future meeting with the clinical partners, we would be keen to progress to devising and applying for a clinical trial for the combination therapy. However, following the meeting with Birmingham Children's Hospital, we have been informed that there is an impending report (within the next 6 months) detailing the impact of a new cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, named "Kaftrio", on non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) infection. The outcomes of this report will have an impact on any clinical trial application, so plans for this are currently on hold until the report is released. A BBSRC grant is in preparation in order to establish the composition of M. abscessus complex biofilm, which includes co-investigators at University of Birmingham, whom add valuable expertise to the proposal. This is helping us to build a 'critical mass' of expertise within the West Midlands, giving us the opportunity to develop nationally. We would be keen to discuss NBIC involvement as a partner in the BBSRC grant proposal.
Start Year 2021
 
Description NBIC FTMA3_21_032 Recruitment of partners for participation in the clinical implementation of a new Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm antimicrobial combination trial (James Harrison) 
Organisation National Biofilms Innovation Centre
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Mycobacterium abscessus is an environmental opportunistic human pathogen that can easily form difficult to eradicate biofilms within the lungs of patients with underlying respiratory conditions (such as cystic fibrosis (CF)). These infections are extremely difficult to treat, requiring at least 13 months of combined intravenous and nebulised antimicrobial treatment, partly due to the ability of M. abscessus to form biofilms, which leads to a 30% survival rate. M. abscessus infections are rising within the CF population annually, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic methods, as evidenced by the UKRI's Industry Strategy Challenge 'Leading-Edge Healthcare Challenge', particularly the development and delivery of new drugs. We have identified a new combination of antimicrobial compounds, including utilising a new betalactamase inhibitor, relebactam, which are effective at inhibiting a range of clinical M. abscessus isolates in vitro. However, our results to date have only involved actively growing planktonic cells, and now, biofilms. This combination has to date been used once in a human patient, who was unfortunately too far in their disease progression for survival. Despite this, there were clear improvements in their M. abscessus infection during the treatment period. With this in mind, my aims for this project are to engage clinicians and biofilm researchers, particularly those within the CF field, in order to build a new network between academic and clinical partners. We hope to explore antibiofilm activity of these compounds through the network, which is an important step for progression of any future M. abscessus treatment. I aim to visit clinicians around the UK to present our data and recruit them into the network. As an early career researcher, this will support my personal development by challenging me to identify and communicate with potential partners and also provide me with experience of effectively presenting scientific data to a non-research audience.
Collaborator Contribution Collaborative partners in this flexible talent mobility scheme project.
Impact Feedback from Aston University: We have successfully developed a network of clinical M. abscessus isolate supply to Aston University, involving clinical partners nationally. A number of these partners are interested in being involved in a future clinical trial. We are planning to organise a meeting with all partners to share the outcomes of this national study into the efficacy of the antimicrobial combination against these different clinical isolates. Future work: Following the future meeting with the clinical partners, we would be keen to progress to devising and applying for a clinical trial for the combination therapy. However, following the meeting with Birmingham Children's Hospital, we have been informed that there is an impending report (within the next 6 months) detailing the impact of a new cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, named "Kaftrio", on non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) infection. The outcomes of this report will have an impact on any clinical trial application, so plans for this are currently on hold until the report is released. A BBSRC grant is in preparation in order to establish the composition of M. abscessus complex biofilm, which includes co-investigators at University of Birmingham, whom add valuable expertise to the proposal. This is helping us to build a 'critical mass' of expertise within the West Midlands, giving us the opportunity to develop nationally. We would be keen to discuss NBIC involvement as a partner in the BBSRC grant proposal.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Research collaboration with Micreos Pharma (Holly Wilkinson) 
Organisation Micreos
Department Micreos Human Health BV
Country Netherlands 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Performing pre-clinical efficacy testing to inform future clinical trials.
Collaborator Contribution Study support and oversight, provision of test agents and collaboration has also led to follow-on funding from the National Biofilms Innovation Centre.
Impact Publications currently in preparation but no direct outputs yet. The collaboration is multidisciplinary and brings together wound healing expertise, biological models, microbiology, genomics and formulation expertise.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Studies in Solid Formulation Stability 
Organisation GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Country Global 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Due to the work conducted during my EngD studies in combination with the success of this project (NBIC_FTMA_P_19_2_38), GSK and UCL signed an Exchange Knowledge Agreement and funded a 6 month study on the stability of solid formulations. The study was conducted by me under supervision of Ivan Parkin and employed a spectroscopic techniques (H- NMR, IR, UV/Vis) and scanning electron microscopy. This study can help the development of stronger formulations by giving insights on the increase of its reactive oxygen species output.
Collaborator Contribution Funding of study.
Impact None as yet.
Start Year 2022
 
Description Tecrea/University College London, Nanocin/UTI collaboration (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation Tecrea Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Tecrea - Provided expertise and intellectual input regarding the Nanocin technology. Provided Nanocin for use in experiments. Provided staff member time for completion of grant.
Collaborator Contribution University College London - Provided expertise and intellectual input regarding current urinary tract research and study design. Provided access to laboratories and equipment (such as laser scanning confocal microscope) at University college London. Trained the Tecrea lab staff in laser scanning confocal microscopy and data analysis.
Impact Follow-on funding: accepted for new NBIC grant (currently underway) for continuing the research assessing Nanocin against UTI co-biofilms.
Start Year 2021
 
Description Tecrea/University College London, Nanocin/UTI collaboration (Isabelle Papandronicou) 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Tecrea - Provided expertise and intellectual input regarding the Nanocin technology. Provided Nanocin for use in experiments. Provided staff member time for completion of grant.
Collaborator Contribution University College London - Provided expertise and intellectual input regarding current urinary tract research and study design. Provided access to laboratories and equipment (such as laser scanning confocal microscope) at University college London. Trained the Tecrea lab staff in laser scanning confocal microscopy and data analysis.
Impact Follow-on funding: accepted for new NBIC grant (currently underway) for continuing the research assessing Nanocin against UTI co-biofilms.
Start Year 2021
 
Title Chemical modification of solids as backbones for controlled deposition of metal or bimetallic nanoparticles for tuning surface and antibacterial properties 
Description A method of tuning surfaces and their antibacterial properties including hydrophobicity and bacterial adhesion comprising the creation of a backbone structure for the in situ formation of metal nanoparticles on metallic and non-metallic surfaces. Preferably the surface is first functionalised through chemical or electrochemical reduction of a diazonium salt with carboxyphenyl or decylphenyl functionalities, followed by the controlled reduction of metal salts into metal nanoparticles. The functionalisation is preferably on a silica or alumina substrate and the nanoparticles are preferably silver and/or copper. The surfaces may form antibacterial and antibiofilm coatings on wound dressings and medical devices. 
IP Reference GB2592233 
Protection Patent / Patent application
Year Protection Granted 2021
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact This research is being continued to further develop this technology.
 
Title Formation of antimicrobial surfaces using molecular films via quaternary salts ion pairing attachment and incorporation of metal nanoparticles 
Description The use of negatively charged functionalities on surfaces for the attachment of positively charged quaternary ammonium antibacterial compounds via ion pairing for their application as effective and tuneable antimicrobial and antibiofilm surfaces. Preferably the surface is first functionalised through chemical or electrochemical reduction of a diazonium salt with carboxyphenyl functionality which is then used to immobilise the quaternary ammonium salts. The ion pairs may serve as a backbone for the formation of antibacterial metal nanoparticles, particularly silver and/or copper nanoparticles. The modified surfaces can be used in medical devices, wound dressings and general surface hygiene materials such as tissues, towels, wipes and beddings. 
IP Reference GB2592369 
Protection Patent / Patent application
Year Protection Granted 2021
Licensed Commercial In Confidence
Impact This is a new and efficient way for the prevention of biofilm formation and bacterial growth on various surfaces and we have recently completed a funding project (FIF from LCR) to exploit the results. Further investigations to use this technology in antibiofilm and frequently touched surfaces in public places are under way.
 
Title Antiviral filters for face masks and air ventilation systems to prevent coronavirus transmission (Faradin Mirkhalaf) 
Description We have developed a new technology for the modification of filters in order to capture and kill viruses and bacteria from the air flow. The modified filters were used in face masks and tested on coronavirus. After testing, the filters showed 100% efficient to remove and kill corona viruses from the air flow. The face masks have been prototyped and are in the market (see: nanoxx.co.uk).The application of this technology for air ventilation systems is under development and we are seeking industrial/investor partners to complete this mission. 
Type Preventative Intervention - Physical/Biological risk modification
Current Stage Of Development Small-scale adoption
Year Development Stage Completed 2021
Development Status Actively seeking support
Impact We are using a similar technology to modify metal and textiles to induce antibiofilm properties within our FTMA3 projects. 
 
Title Nanoparticles (Eden Mannix-Fisher) 
Description Copper nanoparticles created by Pharm2Farm are being tested for their antimicrobial efficacy when mixed into paint and coated onto the surface of paint. The product can have many different applications both within and outside of medicine if successful. 
Type Products with applications outside of medicine
Current Stage Of Development Initial development
Year Development Stage Completed 2022
Development Status Under active development/distribution
Impact Should this antimicrobial work, the data generated from this secondment on the antimicrobial efficacy may generate income for Pharm2Farm and the customer AkZoNobel. It may also be used to decrease the incidence of disease through utilisation as a coating on door handles, walls, beds etc. within a hospital setting. 
 
Description AkzoNobel Meeting (Eden Mannix-Fisher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presentation of the data from the experimental work carried out in this secondment to Pharm2Farms customer, AkzoNobel. AkzoNobel is an international customer to Pharm2Farm. The purpose was to update AkzoNobel on the outcomes of the antimicrobial testing carried out against MRSA and E. coli.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description From Cradle to Grave (Katherine Fish) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The lifecycle of water management - Wednesday 8th June 2022 - University of Greenwich, London Academic and indsutry event, with ~50 attendees, to raise the profile of water safety in healthcare settings and start to create a network with links academia, industry, and the client together where problems can be addressed collaboratively. Katherine Fish was invited to give a talk highlighting the importance of considering the upstream networks supplying the premises plumbing within healthcare settings. A report of the event was published in Waterline in November 2022, showcasing Katherine's research. (https://www.waterlinepublication.org.uk/articles/event-report-from-the-cradle-to-the-grave-the-lifecycle-of-water-management-wednesday-8th-june-2022-university-of-greenwich-london/)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.waterlinepublication.org.uk/articles/event-report-from-the-cradle-to-the-grave-the-lifec...
 
Description Industry lab tour for delegates from Nunano AFM tip company, UK (Peng Bao) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact A group of two people from Nunano has visited our lab, seen the AFM facility we used in our lab, discussed the petential collaborations with us on AFM imaging in liquid. I have shown the high-resolution images of membrane protein arrays we got using our AFM and their tips. These results have surprised them and they said "this might be the best images we saw so for around UK universities."
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Industry visitor (Peng Bao) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Three groups of delegates from different companies have visited our lab, and I showed our facility (Bruker multi-mode AFM) to them. And I showed them our best results, the ability of our AFM, and potential applications of our AFM and discussed with them about potential collaborations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022,2023
 
Description Poster at the 32nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (Mohamed El Mohtadi) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact I have presented my fellowship-related research findings at the 32nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (Lisbon, Portugal on 23 - 26 April 2022). ECCMID is labelled as the world's premier Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases event, which was attended by an audience of over 14,000 colleagues from National and International institutions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Presenting at the UK-India-Singapore Biofilm Webinar Series 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact About 50 people attended this international virtual event where I spoke on how Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) can help us open a pathway to Net-Zero wastewater treatment. In this presentation I introduced the audience to the MET technologies, shared results and experiences from; the MFC pilot-scale work in Africa, my current work on pilot-scale MECs at Newcastle University and the work I am doing at the moment with RoyalHaskoningDHV in advancing the technology to the market. The audience learnt about MET technologies at larger scale and I shed light onto the possibilities of implementing these in existing wastewater treatments as an attempt to turn the water industry into a net energy producer. My talk sparked interest and a discussion followed with the audience.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.biofilms.ac.uk/event/uk-india-singapore-biofilm-webinar-series-biofilms-and-engineered-s...