Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

By 2050, drug-resistant infections are expected to cause unprecedented levels of mortality, with an estimated 10 million deaths annually if not addressed. Unfortunately, conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective, creating an urgent need for new treatment strategies. This project focuses on creating a new type of antimicrobial treatment using short proteins called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs kill bacteria and have shown promise in overcoming resistant infections, but often break down too quickly in the body, limiting their use as medicines. To overcome this challenge, we will attach the AMPs to nanofibres, which are nanosized, fibrous structures that can protect and stabilize AMPs. We will then package these nanofibres into tiny particles that respond to enzymes secreted at infection sites. When triggered, the particles release the AMP nanofibres exactly where they are needed, allowing them to trap and kill harmful bacteria. This approach is designed to be more effective and safer than traditional antibiotics because it works locally, reducing side effects and helping to prevent the spread of resistance. In the future, it could be applied to treating skin infections, wounds, coating medical implants, and controlling infections in emergency situations. By developing this new and innovative antimicrobial platform, our research contributes to the fight against drug-resistant infections and the search for new ways to protect human health.