Research

Antibiotic overuse and misuse in healthcare and agricultural sectors have lead to an surge in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  AMR is an urgent medical concern causing 1.27 million directly and 5 million associated deaths annually worldwide.  By the year 2050, it has been predicted that the global deaths caused by antimicrobial resistant infections will exceed 10 million people per annum, if no measures are taken. These dire statistics emphasise the urgent need to develop alternative approaches to fight off drug resistant microorganisms.

We also work with alternatives to antimicrobials such as nitric oxide, antimicrobial peptides, chemicals and metals.  We have developed nitric oxide releasing materials such as: contact lenses to target microbial keratitis, coatings for titanium implant to target orthopedic infections, surface coatings for PPE to reduce spread of hospital acquired infections and electrospun bandages for the treatment of skin wound infections. We have also  developed antimicrobial peptide loaded nanogels and 3D printed hydrogels that can be used to treat skin infections.  We are developing electrospun nanofibrous materials and 3D printed patches that are loaded with quaternary ammonium compounds for use in dental/oral/maxillofacial applications.

We are also interested in water treatment and purification.   Biofouling is a significant issue for water treatment (drinking water and industrial water) and marine applications.  We have developed engineering nanomaterials for treatment of drinking water and water systems.