Biologically-Derived Targeted Antimicrobials for Textile Applications

Skin infections caused by bacteria represent a significant risk to wounded soldiers. The most common source of bacterial infection is found in the fabrics of clothing, boots, and gear worn by the warfighter. Reducing the risk of infection for soldiers by treating the source fabrics will lead to positive outcome and support medically-related activities in non-sterile environments encountered by the war fighter. The objectives of this proposal are aimed at developing biologically-derived antimicrobials that inhibit the primary bacteria responsible for skin-related infections and/or odor, while maintaining the viability of bacteria that make up the microbiome, which is highly diverse and tantamount to minimizing opportunistic infections. Objectives are tailored to develop robust technology that selectively kills Corynebacteria, which is primarily responsible for malodor associated with sweat and Staphylococcus aureus, which is associated with a variety of skin and skin structure infections (S & SI). The important benefit of the technology being proposed is that it will not destroy bacteria required for a healthy skin microbiome. Targets are discovered with informatics, tested in culture, and tested for safety to both the skin microbiome and healthy skin cells. Establishing selective antibacterial textiles will show great prophylactic decrease the prevalence of S & SI related ailments.