Team 10

Hydrogel Dressing for Targeted Antibiotic Delivery in Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections


Team Members: Fernando Aguilera de Alba
Raneem Asiri,
David Asuncion
Beerjas Bath
Kasandra Sanchez

Team Mentors: Brent Vernon, Ph.D - SBHSE
 Eric Nguyen - Creighton University School of Medicine

YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/8808762204


Abstract

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), which include infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas, have been reported as the third most common diagnosis in emergency care settings. Accounting for 2% of all hospital admissions, SSTIs can cost patients an average of $22,706 for intravenous antibiotic treatments when hospitalized. The majority of SSTIs are attributed to gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus and group A Streptococcus. Depending on the severity, infections are treated with topical antibiotics, oral or intravenous antibiotics such as cephalexin, doxycycline, or cefazolin. The combination of stronger antibiotics and systemic absorption is associated with a number of side effects including the elimination of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. To avoid these complications and to optimize the care of SSTI patients, we have developed HydroBiotix, a hydrogel-based wound dressing capable of antibiotic delivery. The poly(acrylic acid)-based copolymer will be able to provide sustained, localized, and long-term release of a broad-spectrum antibiotic, providing coverage of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria while avoiding negative side effects due to systemic absorption. With an area of drug delivery interface of 18-21 cm2, this hydrogel will be able to release Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole at an amount of 10% of the hydrogel weight over a 24 hour period, with a drug delivery mechanism based primarily on Fickian Diffusion. The loaded hydrogel will be supported by a polyurethane backing for mechanical support, providing a tensile strength greater than 300 kPa and preserving the structural integrity of the hydrogel during application and for the required period of usage.