Hello, network! My name is Ryan, and I will soon be entering my second year of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering at the University of Leeds. 

Chronic wound infections are a significant and fast-growing global healthcare problem compounded by the widespread occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Due to the frequent manifestation of bacterial biofilms in non-healing wounds, the acquisition of antibiotics-resistance and infection recurrences are common despite treatment. This project aims to develop a hydrogel wound dressing containing novel gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the light activated release of antibiotics combined with photothermal heating to enhance the eradication of bacteria and biofilms found in chronic wound infections. The strong near infrared absorbance of the AuNPs led to a dose-dependent photothermal eradication of Staphylococcus aureus. This highly interdisciplinary research provides an important proof-of-concept for the use of novel wound dressings to improve chronic wound infection treatments.

In August, I will begin my research on 'Nanoparticle-based therapeutics to combat multidrug resistance and biofilms in chronic wound infections'. For six weeks, I will be undertaking laboratory-based research work in the Bragg building, working under Dr Zhan Ong’s supervision and with postgraduate students to conduct my research project. This will include utilising bacterial incubation, various characterisation techniques, and nanoparticle synthesis to incorporate antibiotics into the organic shell of the AuNPs before formulating them into a hydrogel. This will involve active and passive laboratory work, i.e. setting up an experiment to be left for several hours throughout the day. Therefore, to make the most of my time, I will also be attending seminars and talks with postgraduates and academics. Furthermore, I will perform independent research on this project to aid my understanding in the practical work. This can be utilised towards the development of both a poster and essay to conclude my research, which will be displayed at the global scholars' conference.

As the likelihood of developing chronic wounds is larger amongst ageing populations, an increased burden will be placed on an already weakened NHS in the future. Globally, a significant number of African and Asian countries face ageing populations as countries further develop, and chronic wound infection cases will increase. Infection is the majority cause of delayed healing and can evolve from local to systemic infection, sepsis, and be life-threatening in some cases. This is worsened by biofilms, which contribute towards inflammation, and the rise in antibiotic resistance complicates treatment. My personal awareness of chronic wound infections grew whilst working in urgent care, as I would often take the medical histories of one of the 2.2 million people in the UK with chronic wounds. This research will support the development of a proof-of-concept hydrogel treatment to eradicate bacteria and biofilms, promoting healthier wound healing. My findings will be recorded and analysed to produce a technical scientific essay of a high standard, and in practice, this improved treatment would reduce the £5.2 billion cost for the NHS each year.

If you are interested in my research, nanotechnology, medicine, or engineering, please connect with me on here and Linkedin (in profile)! Drop me a message - I would be more than happy to discuss my work and look forward to learning from others.

Ryan