b'UNIVERSITY/PROJECT TITLE PROJECT SUMMARY RESEARCHCOLLABORATOR/SINSTITUTIONDevelopment andDressings have been designed to separatelyUniversity ofSystagenix Wound evaluation of a dualaddress problems associated with chronicManchester Managementfunction dressingwounds including exudate (wound fluid) and to combat biofilmbiofilms (microorganisms growing on surfaces infection andthat are highly tolerant to antimicrobials). This exudate in chronicproject will assess the anti-biofilm efficacy of wounds a newly developed wound dressing capable of absorbing high levels of exudate.The effect ofFinding ways to reduce infections caused byUniversity ofNanovibronix Inc low frequencycatheters (tubes) in the bladder is a top prioritySouthampton (Ideal Medical ultrasound onin the NHS. We have evidence that an ultrasoundSolutions UK)urinary catheterdevice (Uroshield) that clips onto catheters could biofilms: a crossoverprevent infections. In this study we will use study proven methods to find out if it really works. New generationThis project optimises technology to produceUniversity ofGencoa Ltdcolour-encodedintrinsically antimicrobial coatings for surgicalLiverpoolcoatings for surgicaltools. This addresses an important NHS-identified tools with intrinsicneed for self-cleaning surfaces, combined with antimicrobial action distinct colour and lustre required for end-user compliance within surgical theatres. Detailed surface chemistry and biological testing will accelerate commercialisation of existing IP.Measuring biofilmThe placement of catheters into a patientsUniversity ofKimal Plcformation in venousveins is widespread in hospitals, but poses aEdinburghcatheters serious infection risk due to biofilm formation. We will measure biofilm formation on a range of catheters provided by Kimal Plc, to determine how catheter design can be improved to reduce the risk of biofilm formation.Corneal biofilmBacterial and fungal keratitis is a majorUniversity ofTecrea Ltd models and anti- problem in many low/middle-income countriesSheffield and Blueberry biofilm nanoparticles (LMIC). There is a need for stable andTherapeuticsaffordable treatments that can control diverse eye infections. Antimicrobial nanoparticle formulations can provide the antimicrobial and physical properties needed to destroy biofilm structures without damage to sensitive eye tissue.Low dose nitric oxideWounds that dont heal are associated withUniversity ofSmith+Nephew Ltdfor the effectivebacteria in communities known as biofilms whichSouthamptontreatment of chronicare resistant to antibiotics. We have shown that wounds low dose nitric oxide can help disperse lung biofilms win patients with cystic fibrosis. This project will test whether nitric oxide can also disperse biofilms from infected wounds.Blue light treatmentListeria monocytogenes is an important foodborneQuadram Chilled Foodof Listeria underpathogen, causing recent fatal outbreaks acrossInstitute AssociationenvironmentalEurope and South Africa. Listeria can persist conditions in food factories in biofilms despite sanitising procedures. Blue light (~405 nm) could be an additional operator-safe disinfection measure, however its impact against Listeria in factory conditions is unknown.47'