Research

Engineering Sciences

Title :

Assessment of the antibacterial molecular mechanism of metal decorated self-antibacterial graphene-cellulose based scaffolds to combat chronic Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis

Area of research :

Engineering Sciences

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Varun Saxena, Indian Institute Of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka

Timeline Start Year :

2022

Timeline End Year :

2024

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Osteomyelitis (OM) is a bone infection caused by microbial pathogens or biofilm formation, with Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, and Propionibacterium being major bacteria that can generate antimicrobial resistance. Current treatments for OM involve long-term antibiotic delivery, but infections at the implant-bone interface can lead to antibiotic resistance, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-OM. To address this issue, a project is proposed to design graphene-cellulose-based scaffolds decorated with different metals to combat MRSA-OM. The project will involve four segments: 1) preparing and characterization of scaffolds using cellulose and graphene, 2) studying the biochemical behavior of the scaffolds, 3) exploring the antibacterial activity, antibacterial mechanism, and biological responses of the scaffolds to mammalian cells, and 4) analyzing the resistance generation possibilities of the scaffolds. The proposed project aims to provide an effective scaffold for the treatment and cure of MRSA-OM and will interpret the interfacial interactions prevailing antibacterial resistance. The project aims to provide an effective solution for MRSA-OM treatment and cure, while also addressing the need for alternative treatments.

Organizations involved