CO-releasing nonwovens as an antimicrobial therapy against skin wound biofilm infections caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa

Start: WS 22/23 

Background:  

1. aureus and P. aeruginosa are leading human pathogens in skin infections that are associated with biofilm formation. Since biofilms protect the embedded bacteria against the host immune system and also increase their resistance to antimicrobials it has become almost impossible to eradicate biofilm infections with conventional antibiotics. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies are of high interest. The project focuses on an alternative strategy such as carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing nonwovens as a local antimicrobial therapy against skin wound biofilms. CO is a toxin that inhibits the key enzymes of the essential electron transport chain. This nonwoven showed a CO-induced antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo that was sufficient to reduce the biofilm-embedded bacteria up to 70% after photo-stimulation. Besides, it was also demonstrated that CO has no toxic effects on the host (mouse) when used at the relevant dosage.

Objective: The project includes: 

1. In vitro assays of CORM-fleece efficiency against several S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains in a semi-solid biofilm model, which mimics skin wound biofilms. 

1. Enrichment of this model by adding relevant compounds and nutrients to better correlate with the in vivo situation of skin infections. 

1. Evaluation of CORM-fleece dosage regiments to eradicate S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms more efficiently. 

Methods: The range of methods includes microbiological techniques of biosafety level 2 (risk group 2 organisms), biofilm handling and evaluation, determination of colony-forming unit (CFU) of bacteria, and biofilm imaging techniques by different confocal microscopic techniques.  

Application: As basic knowledge of microbiological work is required, the applicants should have completed a bachelor’s degree in natural science subjects, preferably in microbiology, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related fields. Importantly, an applicant should be willing to handle pathogenic bacteria (RG2), including clinical isolates. Furthermore, the applicant must provide an attestation for 3 SarsCov-2 vaccinations, a valid antibody titer for hepatitis B.  

Contact Person: Send your complete application documents (letter of motivation, certificates, curriculum vitae including practical laboratory experience) by email to Dr. Oliwia Makarewicz.