Tuesday 1 June 2021

Advance with treating wounds can protect against resistant bacteria



 

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a new material that prevents infections in wounds -- a specially designed hydrogel, that works against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. The new material offers great hope for combating a growing global problem.

 

The World Health Organization describes antibiotic-resistant bacteria as one of the greatest threats to global health. To deal with the problem, there needs to be a shift in the way we use antibiotics, and new, sustainable medical technologies must be developed.

 

 

The main purpose of the studies so far has been to explore new medical technology solutions to help reduce the use of systemic antibiotics. Resistant bacteria cause what is referred to as hospital-acquired infection -- a life-threatening condition and is increasing in incidence worldwide.

 

The active substance in the new bactericidal material consists of antimicrobial peptides, small proteins which are found naturally in our immune system.

 

Researchers have long tried to find ways to use these peptides in medical devices, but so far without much success. The problem is that they break down quickly when they come into contact with bodily fluids such as blood. The current study describes how the researchers managed to overcome the problem through the development of a nanostructured hydrogel, into which the peptides are permanently bound, creating a protective environment.

 

See:

 

Saba Atefyekta, Edvin Blomstrand, Anand K. Rajasekharan, Sara Svensson, Margarita Trobos, Jaan Hong, Thomas J. Webster, Peter Thomsen, Martin Andersson. Antimicrobial Peptide-Functionalized Mesoporous Hydrogels. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 2021; 7 (4): 1693 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00029

 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

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