Investigation on the nanoparticles-driven controlled delivery of antimicrobial peptides to treat dermatological infections

This proposal sets its foundations on a multidisciplinary research team with strong expertise in biochemistry, dermatology,vcmicrobiology, nanomaterial engineering, physical-chemistry. All the required competences are therefore present to unlock the potential of functional nanomaterials for developing more targeted therapeutic approaches to treat acne, and potentially other chronic relapsing cutaneous diseases which are influenced by dysbiosis. The design idea is a non-invasive treatment that employs biocompatible nanostructured materials containing “smart” nanoparticles as light-to-heat transducers. The thermoplasmonic heating will promote the controlled release of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Our strategy, inspired by the innate immunity mechanisms, foresees the benefit of applying the topic treatment only on a localised area and for a limited duration, thereby avoiding the exposure of the patient to antibiotics and the risk to develop multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The choice of acne is due to its high incidence especially in adolescent population (about 90%) often compromising the patient’s quality of life, and negatively affecting their compliance to the treatment. Our research team can count on dermatologists, that are (inter)national experts in acneic pathology.

In addition, current treatment algorithms for acne include the use of antibiotics for 8-12 weeks which further expose this young population group to the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) if they do not adhere to prescriptions. The AMR is a global threat, and MDR bacteria spread easily, posing a therapeutic problem in all fields of medicine. In this respect one of the microorganisms pathogenically associated to acne as well as atopic dermatitis is Staphylococcus aureus that belongs to the ESKAPE group which also includes Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp, all together representing a major global concern as carriers of MDR.

A recent report from the Italian Agency of drug is alarming as it shows that out of 35,000 deaths in Europe, caused by untreatable infections, 11,000 were in Italy. Finding new and more natural means of treating infections, thereby avoiding the mis/over-use of antibiotics, while exploring alternative (or adjuvant) paths, is an urgent need and fully within the UN SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being). The participation in the team of CNR researchers experts in the field of engineering and chemistry of nanomaterials will place us in the best possible position to realize AMP pre-loaded gauzes and pathches made of biocompatible polymers functionalized with photoactive nanomaterials. These gauzes will be tested on patients recruited in accord to the ethical procedures. The biochemistry and microbiology expertise from the PI will complete the framework by choosing and testing the most interesting AMPs and analysing the effect of the treatments on the follicular microbiome.