Beyond the Biofilm: Innovating New Therapies for Orthopaedic Infections

Early Inspirations

I’m originally from Libya and came to the UK a long time ago. I wanted to pursue something we didn’t have much expertise in back home. Having known people who had cancer, I was motivated to study something related to that field. So I chose a degree in pathology and cancer biology at the University of Bristol, which later evolved into molecular medicine.

During my studies, I realised how much I enjoyed practical, hands-on research, especially during my final-year project. I’ve always loved solving puzzles and working through small questions to reach bigger ones. Research felt exactly like that: one big hypothesis approached through a series of smaller experiments.

Discovering a Passion for Research

I decided to do a master’s degree focused purely on research. That’s how I came to Southampton, where I completed two six-month research projects. My first was in breast cancer research, my top choice, and the second explored microfluidic devices for cell sorting. Ultimately, I found my passion lay in cancer research. My PhD work built on this interest, and I loved every part of it.

During my PhD, I was fortunate to work in a multidisciplinary project involving bone research. Although my focus was different, it exposed me to new areas of biomedical science. When I finished my PhD, a postdoctoral opportunity arose in developing new methods to treat bone infections following implants, exactly what I’m working on now.

A New Challenge: Biofilm Infections

This project intrigued me deeply. I hadn’t realized how significant biofilm infections were or how profoundly they affect patients’ lives. Preparing for the interview opened my eyes to their impact, and I became determined to be part of the solution.

Unlike cancer research, which can take years before reaching patients, this project feels much closer to clinical application. I genuinely feel that my work could make a tangible difference.

Although it was challenging at first, especially since it was a new field for me, I received great support from my colleagues. They trained me in microbiology and helped me get up to speed. Now, I’m confident and proud of the progress I’ve made.

My Current Research

My work focuses on developing a method to treat orthopaedic infections in patients with prostheses, particularly hip and knee implants.

Currently, such infections are treated either with long courses of antibiotics or revision surgeries to remove and replace the infected implants. Both options are costly, unpleasant, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

My project explores using microbubbles, tiny, ultrasound-responsive bubbles – that can be injected into patients in an outpatient setting. When ultrasound is applied, the bubbles expand and contract rapidly, producing forces that mechanically disrupt the bacterial biofilm.

This non-invasive method mimics what happens in surgery but avoids the need for extensive procedures. Combined with low doses of antibiotics, it could provide a safer, faster, and more effective treatment.

Microbubbles are already being trialled clinically for other conditions, such as breast cancer. Their proven safety gives us confidence that they could soon be applied to bone infections as well. So far, our lab experiments (in vitro) have been promising, and I’m now testing the approach on human bone samples.

The Realities of Being a Woman in Research

One ongoing challenge in academia is balancing research with family life. As a woman, if you want to start a family, it often feels like you have to pause your career. Research is highly competitive, and postdoctoral contracts are short-term and uncertain, making these decisions even harder.

When starting a new position, no one really discusses your options, such as maternity leave or flexible work arrangements, especially for temporary contracts. Universities often provide information for permanent staff, but postdocs are left without clear guidance.

I think institutions could make a huge difference by sharing this information upfront. Just knowing your options can make things easier and less stressful. Transparency helps people plan their careers and families with confidence.

Mentorship and Support

I feel very fortunate to be part of the Bone and Joint Group. The mentors and supervisors here are approachable and supportive. I always have people I can turn to for advice, and their diverse experiences give me valuable perspectives.

I’ve also attended events hosted by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), where I met many inspiring people and learned about topics like bias and public engagement. I look forward to becoming more involved in these activities in the future.

I really admire how NBIC connects different universities and creates a strong, collaborative research network. Although many of their programs are geared toward students and postdocs, I hope to participate more as my career progresses.

Looking Ahead

Right now, my main goal is to complete my current research, gather strong data, and ultimately help patients through clinical applications. I also want to continue exploring research on biofilms, as they affect so many aspects of health and disease.

Beyond that, I have a passion for teaching. I hope to find opportunities to teach and share my knowledge in the coming years.

What excites me most about my current work is knowing that it could soon make a real difference. Research, at its core, is about improving lives, and the idea that our findings might one day help patients directly is what drives me every day.

There are countless health challenges in the world, and each research breakthrough brings us a step closer to easing someone’s suffering. For me, being part of that process, from the lab bench to potential patient impact, is the most rewarding part of being a scientist.

Find out more

If you are interested in learning more about Aya’s work and would like to connect, please contact NBIC at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk

Aya Ben Issa, Research Fellow from the University of Southampton.