The aim of this project was to develop novel polymer-based medical devices that can be activated by light and fight skin-related bacterial infections. New devices are necessary to combine the light-responsive properties of nanomaterials in devices with antibiotic drugs with local antibiotic delivery. To provide proof-of-concept, this project targeted to assess the technical and commercial feasibility of such devices for nosocomial skin infection treatment and determine if and how commercialisation efforts should proceed. The hybrid polymeric devices would incorporate light responsive nanoparticles to elicit a thermal response in the skin and at the same time deliver the antibiotic drug to fight the bacteria. The device can bolster the use of antibacterial drugs for the topical treatment of skin infections with improved dermatological delivery. The utilization of light responsive polymeric devices and films with antimicrobial properties might find applications against skin and wound infections upon the application of inert visible and/or near-IR light irradiation.
