HyMedPoly project targets drug-free antibacterial hybrid biopolymers for medical applications

Infection has become one of the toughest problems in the medical world, and as bacteria become more resistant to drugs there are fewer effective antibiotics to fight against pathogens. 10 universities and companies from across Europe are creating a cohort of 15 European Industrial Doctorates to synthesis new biopolymers with added antibacterial functionality and develop functionalized bioactive ceramics and glasses that can act as active agents to kill bacteria and prevent their growth.

HyMedPoly has been awarded a grant funded by the European Commission to train PhD researchers for the development of drug-free antibacterial materials used for medical applications, such as wound care, implants and bio film prevention.

Biomedical polymers have been widely used in combination with drugs in medical settings but a challenge has arisen to develop new materials that have an intrinsic antibacterial functionality. To meet this need, a new generation of professionals will be trained under the project.

HyMedPoly is engaging 15 young PhD researchers to create and implement new strategies to combat bacteria.

The four-year long project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 643050. It forms part of the European Commission’s initiative to develop European Industrial Doctorates with equal exposure to academics and industry, allowing them to combine research knowledge with business acumen.

HyMedPoly will offer a joint training programme at world class academic and industrial institutes, combining technical knowledge with hands-on training in state-of-the-art research projects related to key issues that determine the future therapies of antibacterial materials.

Source

Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2016-08-02.

Supplier

European Commission
European Union
Horizon 2020

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