Development of a Novel Antibiotic-free Infection Wound-Care Solution

HYFACOL Limited is a spin-out company from the University of Leeds (UoL) set up in 2023 to commercialise the patented HyFaCol collagen manufacturing platform, developed by Professor Tronci at the [Clothworkers' Centre for Textile Materials Innovation for Healthcare (CCTMIH)][0]

We have used the HyFaCol platform to develop of a novel wound dressing material. This novel dressing material offers enhanced physical and biological properties over current market-leading products.

_In vitro_ and _in vivo_ studies have shown the dressing material to have multiple advantages compared to current commercially available products. HYFACOL's dressing material (i) presents enhanced mechanical properties in the wet state; (ii) increases the healing rate of non-self-healing diabetic murine wounds; (iii) manages wound exudate better, including the drug-free inhibition of overexpressed tissue degrading enzymes.

Adding in the photodynamic ability to trigger an antibiotic-free antimicrobial effect on-demand via dressing exposure to visible light will add significantly to its infection control functionality and increase marketability in the $14bn / year wound dressing market.

Healthcare associated infections are major global concerns and pose a particular problem in the management of chronic wounds, both in terms of economic burden, and patient quality of life. The project team has already undertaken substantial research to develop alternative, industry-compliant, and antibiotic-free strategies for the reduction of surgical and wound site infections, more patient- and environment-friendly inactivation of pathogens, as well as the early-stage sensing and signalling of wound infection.

Management of microbial activity, particularly biofilms, in wound sites is the key to reducing healing times, reducing pain and improving patient quality of life and it is this area that the project focuses on.

With the outcomes derived from this project HYFACOL will be in a much stronger position to secure industrial licensing agreements which in turn will strengthen our case for further investment, securing high value jobs within the region. [0]: https://cctmih.leeds.ac.uk/