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

Dr Aysin Dural Erem      University College Dublin & University Rouen Normandy (URN)

Nosocomial infections (hospital-acquired infections) are life-threatening diseases. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics in their treatment has been contributing to the increase in global antibiotic resistance. These have become two major public health crises. Nosocomial pathogens, which cause these infections, spread easily among people. When an infected patient and a susceptible person come into contact with each other or use shared vehicles (e.g., doorknobs, patient-near furniture, or shared medical devices), these microorganisms settle and multiply on the susceptible person’s body, causing serious infections. Antiseptic wipes can be an appropriate strategy for cleaning skin and mucosa from these pathogens.

This project aims 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 benefit both individuals and society by reducing suffering, death, and healthcare needs caused by nosocomial infections and global antibiotic resistance. Innovative antimicrobial strategies used in the project will create new avenues for further research and increase knowledge regarding pathogen-catching technology and antiseptic products.

The main aim of this project is to provide Dr Erem with a strong foundation in advanced antimicrobial materials to support her future career endeavors, both in academia and industry, as an independent researcher or founder of a start-up company. Dr Erem will be primarily hosted by University College Dublin, a multidisciplinary research center at the interface of advanced material technology. The research project will be strengthened by an outgoing phase at the University of Rouen.