Background
Having completed my undergraduate degree in Microbiology at The University of Sheffield, I wanted to further my studies by completing a masters degree. Antimicrobial Resistance had been of interest to me for a number of years, particularly after completing a science communications research project on the topic during my final year of undergraduate study. The antimicrobial resistance masters course in collaboration with The Florey Institute provided a balance of theory and practical aspects which made it an appealing opportunity to undertake as postgraduate study. Following the completion of my course, I intend to explore the various career paths available with my skill set and aid in the fight against AMR. Florey Research Project
Action of Targeted Antifungal Polymers Against Candida auris I am currently undertaking a research project overseen by Dr. Joey Shepherd in which I am researching the effects of a targeted antifungal polymer on Candida auris. C.auris is an emerging fungal pathogen first isolated from the ear canal of a patient in Japan in 2009. It is known for its high levels of intrinsic resistance to multiple classes of antifungals; however, it remains susceptible to amphotericin B. Dr Tom Swift at the University of Bradford has developed a highly branched Poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) polymer functionalized with Amphotericin B to provide a solution to the main limiting factor of amphotericin B as a stand-alone drug- high cytotoxicity. This functionalized polymer has already been shown to be effective against Candida albicans, Fusarium keratoplasticum and Aspergillus flavus. Within my project, I have obtained novel data on the effects of this polymer on aggregating and non-aggregating strains of C.auris by determining the planktonic MIC and assessing its effects on biofilm formation and disruption through antifungal susceptibility testing techniques and fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, I have completed cytotoxicity assays on human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes to ensure the polymer is safe as a potential drug delivery system. |
The Team
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