Descrizione del progetto
Superare la barriera dei biofilm batterici
I batteri hanno la capacità intrinseca di crescere sulle superfici in aggregati che vengono definiti biofilm. Queste comunità microbiche sono responsabili di molte infezioni contratte in ospedale e sono difficili da eliminare con i disinfettanti. Per rispondere a questa esigenza medica, il progetto BREAK BIOFILMS, finanziato dall’UE, mira a formare ricercatori in fase iniziale di carriera nella comprensione del processo di formazione dei biofilm e nello sviluppo della prossima generazione di biocidi. Gli sforzi si concentreranno anche sullo sviluppo di metodi per il rilevamento e l’identificazione rapida dei biofilm, nonché sui metodi per inibirli. Nel complesso, si prevede che il lavoro troverà applicazione sia in campo industriale che biomedico.
Obiettivo
Biofilms, i.e. communities of micro-organisms that attach and grow on a solid surface, cause about 80% of infections in humans and disinfectants rarely succeed in destroying them. They cost European economy billions of euro annually. The BREAK BIOFILMS Training Network aims to solve this issue by training the next generation leaders. They will understand the (bio)physicochemical mechanisms of biofilm formation, be able to produce technology for detecting and identifying biofilm formation with extreme sensitivity, and develop next generation biocides for preventing and destroying biofilms in industrial and biomedical areas. This integrated strategy from biofilm detection to destruction that builds on key innovations from the partner labs, is globally distinctive and promises significant progress. The network brings together world leaders in sensors, cell imaging, microbiology, interfacial engineering and nanoformulation from 6 universities, 9 companies, a research centre, and a Business and Innovation Centre. Thus, it is ideal to provide technical, industrial and business training to 15 ESRs and support the missions of the industry partners who will provide deep insights into the most pressing and impactful challenges. The graduates will be ideally placed to enter and support existing European industry across a number of different sectors (biomedical, food, antimicrobials). However, they will also be capable of creating new businesses thanks to a combination of in depth training in entrepreneurship and direct experience of establishing and running a virtual company as part of the training network. Beyond the trained researchers, this project will produce technologies that will enhance the productivity of European industry, create intellectual property with a strong probability of commercialization and improve the health and well-being of European citizens by minimizing infection rates and the inappropriate use of ineffective biocides that is leading to resistance.
Campo scientifico
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managemententrepreneurship
- social scienceseconomics and businesseconomicsproduction economicsproductivity
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinatore
33003 OVIEDO
Spagna