Focus on nano-antibiofilm-interfaces: current approaches to examine and combat infections associated with biomedical devices

Abstract

The objective of our proposal is to strengthen international engagement through research focused activities — knowledge exchange. Thus the primary aim of our proposal is to run a series of workshops that will initiate the development of platform technology to prevent the biofilm formation and combat infections associated with biomaterials. The novelty of our research approach lays in the combined use of our innovative immobilization technology with novel anti-infectious molecules and nanostructured materials to combat infections/biofilm formation for biomaterials. The innovation of our program resides in the integrated research that uses advanced technologies to functionalize surfaces; prevent biofilm formation and combat infections. The combination of our linker-free immobilization technology and new antimicrobial compounds is the major advance. We will also investigate for the first time a chemical fingerprint (nano-infrared spectroscopy) of bacteria including antibiotic resistant bacteria grow on modified surfaces. These investigations will provide a deep insight into the mechanism of the development of bacterial resistance and microbial cell capability to colonize the surfaces. Subsequently, these findings will guide the development of next generation of anti-biofouling interfaces. This goal will be achieved through the development of skills, shared expertise and organizational partnership that supports global research. (AU)