Tailored innovations for lower emissions and reduced risks for development of bacterial resistance (ReSist)

Research Project, 2021 – 2023

Purpose and goal: Develop sustainable antimicrobial products for wound care and marine antifouling with minimal environmental impact and low risks of development of antimicrobial resistance. The technology is based on controlled and prolonged release of active substances by incorporating them into microcapsules and into fiber materials.
For the wound care products, the idea is based on using effective antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are biodegradable. Expected results and effects: The intention is that our innovation will be effective in the applied products and contribute to lower emissions of toxic and resistance-inducing substances. The project will thus contribute to fewer infections by resistant bacteria and maintained efficacy of existing antibiotics. Effective wound care products will also lead to a reduced number of wound dressings and shorter treatment times, i.e. both reduced suffering and lower healthcare costs. The project is also expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish and Nordic industry. Approach and implementation: The work is divided into four interacting technical/experimental work packages; 1) Encapsulation, 2) Controlled release, 3) Prototype development and 4) Prototype evaluation. Two additional work packages have a focus on system perspective; 5) Business model and infrastructure and 6) Regulations, which are of great importance for evaluating the added value of the innovation in relation to additional costs and for reviewing and communicating the content and development of relevant regulations.