HOTSKIN | Hybrid drug-loaded plasmonic photothermal microneedle patch against skin infections

Summary
In this proof of concept project, we will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of a hybrid microneedle patch for the treatment of nosocomial skin infections caused by drug resistant bacteria. Not only does this device permeate difficult-to-penetrate skin layers to deliver antibiotics locally, it also weakens bacterial defences by raising local temperature to enhance drug effectiveness. In this manner, the need for high dosage systemic drug administration is avoided – reducing occurrence of associated side-effects and perpetuation of antimicrobial resistance. It holds the potential not only to revitalise antibacterials for topical, local treatment of skin infections, but to improve dermatological drug delivery as a platform device. In this project, we will validate the device’s fabrication process for additional commercial scalability and functionality with nanocarrier-drug complexes (for enhanced effectiveness of drug delivery to target site), develop a robust IP strategy and secure initial patents, and conduct extensive market analyses and competitor landscaping. Finally, we will formulate a strong business case, and depending on the results of these activities, establish a company.
Unfold all
/
Fold all
More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/966636
Start date: 01-04-2021
End date: 30-06-2023
Total budget - Public funding: - 150 000,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

In this proof of concept project, we will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of a hybrid microneedle patch for the treatment of nosocomial skin infections caused by drug resistant bacteria. Not only does this device permeate difficult-to-penetrate skin layers to deliver antibiotics locally, it also weakens bacterial defences by raising local temperature to enhance drug effectiveness. In this manner, the need for high dosage systemic drug administration is avoided – reducing occurrence of associated side-effects and perpetuation of antimicrobial resistance. It holds the potential not only to revitalise antibacterials for topical, local treatment of skin infections, but to improve dermatological drug delivery as a platform device. In this project, we will validate the device’s fabrication process for additional commercial scalability and functionality with nanocarrier-drug complexes (for enhanced effectiveness of drug delivery to target site), develop a robust IP strategy and secure initial patents, and conduct extensive market analyses and competitor landscaping. Finally, we will formulate a strong business case, and depending on the results of these activities, establish a company.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

ERC-2020-POC

Update Date

27-04-2024
Images
No images available.
Geographical location(s)
Structured mapping
Unfold all
/
Fold all
Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
ERC-2020
ERC-2020-PoC