Bio-smart · Novel smart materials for biomedical application

Novel smart materials for biomedical application

Bio-smart is a 3 years European Re-integration grant led by Dr Irina Savina in collaboration with an advisory team comprising of Prof S. Mikhalovsky, Dr S. James and Dr L. James. The project combines the expertise of Dr Savina, polymer chemist and specialist in the cryogels, with expertise of the University of Brighton in biomaterials, antimicrobial systems and wound healing. The aim of Bio-smart project is to develop an approach for synthesis of smart macroporous hydrogels with specific responses, which may be useful in diverse applications in medicine, biology and environment pollution control. A range of the various smart polymer gels were synthesised and their potential for biomedical application was explored. We have been focused on the specific response of the cryogel to biological stimuli. The traditional approach is consider the temperature, pH and ionic strength as external stimuli for trigger the changes in the hydrogel system that leads to release of the antimicrobial agent to the target site. We have explored several novel approaches. The initial work was focused on the synthesis of the hydrogel cross-linked by antigen-antibody interaction. Antigen-antibody interaction is very specific interaction and governs most of the biological processes in the body. The presence of the free antigen will re-dissolve the hydrogel cross-linking facilitating the antimicrobial drug release for the hydrogel. The specific response allows release of the antimicrobial agent at the first sign of bacterial colonisation, providing earlier treatment, preventing infection and bacterial spreading, thus providing better treatment. Different approaches to the synthesis of antigen-antibody cross-linked hydrogels were studied and response to the presence of free antigen was assessed. Polymer films contains bacteriophage has been developed. Bacteriophages are targeting the specific bacteria and known to eliminate its number very quickly when presented in the system. It was found that bacteriophage can survive in dried agar films over many days and are capable of infecting bacterial populations upon contact in an aqueous environment. This is a new and important funding. Many useful applications could be envisaged using such films e.g. to add to water to infect a problem target bacterium, to coat industrial pipes to prevent biofilm formation by a particular species, in the form of a wound dressing to target those bacteria associate with topical infections. The structure of the cryogels was analysed using a number of advanced analytical methods. We mainly focused on the porosity of the macroporous hydrogel and the water state, which effect on the hydrogel biocompatibility, response to the external stimuli and governs the biological processes in the hydrogel. Different analytical techniques were assessed for characterization of the water state in hydrogel material and its porous structure, particularly nanopores. It was found that the most of water in cryogels are free water and the proportion of water confined in small (nano) pores is negligible, which explains high biocompatibility of cryogels and its ability to support various biological processes. Antimicrobial gels produced have shown positive outcome and potential for treatment of infected wound. We believe that the ability to treat infection at an earlier stage will significantly improve the healing process, providing better treatment and reduction of cost. The potential benefits of the project are very high, as the novel smart materials developed have clear clinical and commercial potential as delivery materials for diverse applications in medicine, such as biomaterials, and drug delivery systems. The project facilitated knowledge transfer, developed a new research area and network in the smart polymer systems at the University of Brighton. It supported the professional development of Dr I Savina, developing new research skills through intensive training, which strengthen Dr Savina employability and career prospects. Project Website - http://about.brighton.ac.uk/pharmacy/research/groups/bmmd/biosmart/

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