Novel Antiseptic Wipes to Fight Nosocomial Pathogens that Contaminate on Human Skin and Mucosa

Nosocomial infections (Hospital acquired infections) are life-threatening diseases. Furthermore, overuse of antibiotics in their treatments has been contributing to the increase of global antibiotic-resistance. They have become two major public health crises. Nosocomial pathogens, which cause these infections, are spread easily among people. When an infected patient and a susceptible person contact each other or use shared vehicles (e.g., doorknobs, patient near furniture, or shared medical devices), these microorganisms settle and multiply on his/her body and cause serious infections. Antiseptic wipes can be an appropriate strategy for cleaning skin and mucosa from these pathogens. In the study, we aim to develop novel antiseptic wipes that catch and kill pathogens and can be used safely on the entire skin. Successful antiseptic wipes have the potential to be beneficial to both the individual and society by contributing to reducing suffering, death, and healthcare needs caused by nosocomial infections and global antibiotic resistance. Innovative antimicrobial strategies used in the project will create new routes for further research and increase the knowledge regarding pathogen-catching technology and antiseptic products. The main training aim of the project is to provide me with a strong formation in advanced antimicrobial materials to support my future career endeavors, both in academia and industry, as an independent researcher, or founder of a start-up company. I will be mainly hosted by University College Dublin, a multidisciplinary research center at interface of advanced material technology. The training will be strengthened by an outgoing host University of Rouen focused on chemistry of antimicrobial materials