22 22 Chronic wound infections are predominantly driven by polymicrobial biofilms, yet most antimicrobial screening platforms rely on simplistic mono-species models. This persistent mismatch has created a significant translational gap, where compounds that perform well in vitro fail to deliver in clinical settings. Addressing this unmet need required a step change: a clinically relevant, reproducible, and industry-compatible biofilm model capable of truly reflecting wound ecology and generating meaningful efficacy data. An NBIC-funded Proof of Concept project between researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University and BluTest Laboratories set out to tackle this challenge. Together, they developed a standardised hydrogel- based, multispecies wound biofilm model incorporating clinically relevant microbial consortia embedded within a cellulose matrix. What sets this platform apart is its integration with 3D epithelial co-culture models, allowing simultaneous measurement of antimicrobial efficacy, biofilm structure and viability, and host inflammatory responses. Designed from the outset for real-world application, the system operates as a high-throughput, SOP-driven assay suitable for contract research organisation (CRO) workflows. Translating a complex academic model into a reproducible, scalable format proved difficult, compounded by a lack of standardised protocols suitable for CRO environments and limited validation in industry-relevant settings. Balancing biological complexity with the demands of throughput and consistency presented an ongoing challenge. NBIC’s support enabled formal technology transfer from academia to BluTest Laboratories, bridging the gap between innovation and application. Through NBIC, the team developed validated SOPs, QA-compatible workflows, and aligned biological outputs with robust, quantitative metrics. Crucially, NBIC supported the integration of this complex biological system into a commercial CRO environment, ensuring it could be deployed reliably at scale. A New Dimension in Biofilm Testing The impact has been significant. The platform is now embedded within BluTest Laboratories’ commercial antimicrobial screening services, providing a novel and differentiated offering for wound care and anti-infective developers. It delivers clinically relevant, multispecies biofilm testing alongside combined microbial and host-response outputs, improving the prediction of therapeutic efficacy and increasing confidence in pre- clinical pipelines. Beyond commercial integration, the work has strengthened academic–industry partnerships, underpinned over £1.3 million in collaborative funding, and supported new projects spanning antimicrobial hydrogels, phage therapy, and fungal infection treatments. It has also contributed to workforce development, creating specialist roles and enabling clear progression pathways from academia to industry. Looking ahead, the platform is being applied across a broader range of translational and industry-led research projects, supporting continued collaboration and funding activity. The technology has progressed from a Proof of Concept model to a validated and scalable system that can be reliably deployed within commercial workflows. It now provides a practical route for generating more clinically relevant data to inform the development of therapies targeting chronic wound infections. SEM multi-species interkingdom biofilm. Professor Ramage is a leading expert in clinical biofilms and translational microbiology at Glasgow Caledonian University. His research focuses on polymicrobial biofilms, antimicrobial resistance, and infection prevention. Dr Rivett is General Manager of BluTest Laboratories with technical expertise in standardised biofilm testing and method development. She completed her doctoral research at University of Glasgow, and has experience spanning both academia and industry, Professor Gordon Ramage Dr Tracy Rivett CASE STUDY
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.