Figthing resistant chronic wound pathogens through sustainable systems based on antimicrobial non-antibiotic compounds and novel technologies
Progetto The project aims to propose novel sustainable solutions for the treatment of chronic wound infections associated to multidrug-resistant pathogens. The antimicrobial-resistant infections represent a global burden and the strategies to deal with this serious problem must take into account the ONE HEALTH approach. Innovative coalistic combinations between Antimicrobial non¬Antibiotic Compounds (AnACs) and novel technologies can be significant candidates to address this public health threat. The proposal of the twO Research Units (Unitl ;RUCH, Unlt2:RUME), located in South Italy, aims to increase the knowledge of the antimicrobial/antibiofilm/antivirulence properties of AnACs and novel technologies, like light-emitting diodes (LEDs), electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and complex electromagnetic fields (CMFs)in order to develop innovative antimicrobial systems for biomedical applications against chronic wounds pathogens difficult to treat. The study of promising tools for potential application in wound infection management represents a well documented expertise of RUCH, as well as, the assessment of nano-delivery systems is an important skill of RUME. Moreover, the full realization of the proposal is guaranteed by the consolidated cooperation overtime between Units.
All the experiments will be carried out using highly innovative technologies in the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Phamaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Analytical Chemistry and Applied Medical Sciences. All the necessary equipment for the experiments is present in the Departments of which the responsible 6f the Units belong. An important aspect, related to the sustainability of the proposal is underlined by the green procedures, the use of technologies (LED,EFM, CMF) at low environmental impact for their manufacturing, transport and disposal respecting each product cycle.
The project is structured in two work packages (Fig.l) consisting of the AnACs/novel technologies analysis (WPl) and Delivery systems studies (WP2) to identify solutions to counteract chronic wound infections associated with MDR pathogens that the WHO includes in the threat list for which the identification of new antimicrobials is mandatory. The main deliverables of the proposal will be: identification and characterization of the most performing AnACs combined to each other or to novel technologies against chronic wound pathogens in in vitro and in vivo models; development of new solutions targeting microbial susceptibility, biofilm and virulence in chronic wound infections.
The results of this project will be the scientific basis for new applications in biomedical field with clinical, epidemiological and environmental interactions. Finally, it will be proposed promising therapeutical strategies, alternative to current available drugs, counteracting the global worrying phenomenon of Antimicrobial Resistance providing sustainable systems to improve lifelong health and the general well-being