b'Proof of Concept 1AWARDED OCTOBER 2018UNIVERSITY/PROJECT TITLE PROJECT SUMMARY RESEARCH COLLABORATOR/SINSTITUTIONManaging aquaticBiofilms within distribution pipes present a major riskUniversity ofInternational Paint biofilms via surfaceto drinking water safety. In marine environments,Sheffield Ltd (AkzoNobel) manipulation coatings have successfully altered surfaces to mitigateand Dr Cymru biofilm risks. This project explores the novel applicationWelsh Water of marine-coatings to drinking water pipes to prevent/ (DCWW)limit and manage biofilms by comparing biofilm behaviour using innovative analytical techniques.Accelerating antisenseWe plan to hijack a mechanism used by bacterialUniversity ofBelfry PMOs to the clinic pathogens to uptake essential nutrients, to deliverNottingham Therapeuticssynthetic RNA fragments which can switch off the expression of specific genes required for survival and kill these pathogens in a biofilm. This innovative technology could potentially have a strong impact in combating AMR.A model oral systemHundreds of microorganisms live in the mouth, many areUniversity ofUnilever for oral healthcare riskharmless while others cause caries and gum disease. ThisSouthampton Safety and assessment project will utilise an in vitro model system to investigateEnvironmentalhow oral hygiene products may affect this complex oralAssurance Centre microbiome to better predict product efficacy. (SEAC)PlasmaHeal: coldBiofilms are a major problem in non-healing andUniversity of 5D Health plasma to controlinfected chronic wounds due to their recalcitranceLiverpool Protection Group biofilms in woundto immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.Ltddressings and atCold plasma technology is highly effective against the wound/dressingbiofilm contamination. This project will bring together interface expertise in biofilms, wound care and plasma to develop a novel plasma activated wound dressing.BIOFILMer: a super- Urological devices are widely used in the clinic toUniversity ofOxford resolution platformtreat kidney stones, tumours, and incontinence. TheySouthampton Nanoimaging Ltd for the analysis ofhowever suffer from biofilm formation, causing severe(ONI) andcrystalline biofilms inside effects. In this project, we will establish the firstCenter for Biofilm urological devices platform for super-resolution analysis of biofilms inEngineering (CBE), urological devices, enabling development of safer andMontana State biofilm-resistant treatments. UniversityDevelopment of aMany microalgal species are grown commercially toPlymouthVaricon AquaMoving Membraneproduce a range of sustainable bioproducts, withMarine Bioreactor (MMBR)further product diversification hindered by highLaboratoryfor the automatedproduction costs. This consortia has developed a cultivation and harvestmembrane based technology to cultivate algae as a of algae grown as abiofilm, reducing production costs and opening the biofilm possibility to cultivate novel high value strains. Development andDressings have been designed to separately addressUniversity ofSystagenix Wound evaluation of a dualproblems associated with chronic wounds includingManchester Management and function dressingexudate (wound fluid) and biofilms (microorganisms3Mto combat biofilmgrowing on surfaces that are highly tolerant to infection and exudateantimicrobials). This project will assess the anti-biofilm in chronic wounds efficacy of a newly developed wound dressing capable of absorbing high levels of exudate.The effect of lowFinding ways to reduce infections caused by cathetersUniversity ofNanovibronix Inc frequency ultrasound(tubes) in the bladder is a top priority in the NHS. WeSouthampton (Ideal Medical on urinary catheterhave evidence that an ultrasound device (Uroshield) thatSolutions UK)biofilms: a crossoverclips onto catheters could prevent infections. In this study study we will use proven methods to find out if it really works.48'