Funding award for University of Hull led biofilms partnership project

Whilst some biofilms can be detrimental or even harmful, beneficial biofilms can protect damaged skin and enhance recovery from injury (Pictured: MRSA biofilm)

A University of Hull research project to tackle and exploit biofilms is one of only 18 projects to be awarded funding by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC).

The University is a partner university with the NBIC, whose mission is to establish a network of research and innovation in the study of biofilms, catalysing collaboration with industry to achieve breakthrough innovation.

Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms which, if you look hard enough, can be found almost everywhere. Whilst some biofilms can be detrimental or even harmful, beneficial biofilms can protect damaged skin and enhance recovery from injury.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (such as MRSA) are frequently found on the skin of hospitalised patients, leading to infection and poor wound healing. This project will test whether an enzyme (endolysin) is able to safely and selectively kill skin and wound MRSA without damaging the beneficial skin bacteria. The academic lead is Dr Holly Wilkinson from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Hull York Medical School.

The funding award comes following a selection process involving a record 61 applications involving 92 different collaborative partners. The level of interest demonstrates the breadth of biofilm related problems and opportunities across a wide range of sectors. These include health, hygiene, industrial processing, food, water, oral care, personal care, anaerobic digestion, waste and wastewater and biotechnology.

Prof Mat Hardman, Director of Research (Hull) for Hull York Medical School leads the University’s Advanced Wound Care group. He said “Securing this award is a fantastic achievement for Holly. This is just one example of a number of recent successes in the group, and highlights the importance of biofilm and wound research at Hull with both national and global impact.”

The NBIC news release and details of the 18 projects which have been awarded POC funding can be downloaded here.