Developing Multi-biofunctional Polymeric Materials

Development and testing of nitric oxide releasing polymer on bacterial growth and human dermal cells viability
This highly translational study investigates bactericidal effect of nitric oxide (NO) at levels non-toxic to dermal cells using NO releasing medical grade polymer. The presence of bacterial colonization in non-healing wounds and burn injuries significantly interferes with the normal process of healing. Recent evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in host defense against infection and regulates wound healing. Investigating the potential application of NO releasing biomaterials in clinically relevant settings would be significant in order to harness the potential benefits of NO as an antimicrobial agent. It is hypothesized that polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be modified to release bactericidal NO levels and remain non-toxic to human dermal cells.
