Drug Release and Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabinoids and Silver from Solvent-Cast Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Films In Vitro

This research project will determine the specific combination of two naturally-occurring anti-infective agents that gives the strongest antibiotic effect against a multi-drug-resistant bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA. As MRSA is a leading cause of skin infection, the anti-infective agents will be incorporated into a specialized wound care film, designed to heal wounds and prevent infection by MRSA and other bacterial pathogens. First, films will be tested in order to determine the best composition of non-medicinal ingredients which will allow formation of a wound-healing hydrogel, maintain film integrity, and sustained release of the anti-infective agents over a five day period. Finally, the optimal amount anti-infective agents to be used in the films will be determined by testing for elimination MRSA and other bacterial pathogens over a continuous five day period. The partner organization will benefit from the development of an anti-infective wound care system which it can further develop for use in medical care settings.

Faculty Supervisor:

Charles Thompson;Thomas Chang

Student:

Partner:

Andira Pharmaceuticals

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: