Research project 4

• Host institution: Fundación Pública Miguel Servet, FMS, Spain. - Navarrabiomed: the biomedical research center of the Government of Navarra
  Departmen/Research group website: The Microbial Pathogenesis Research Unit
• Supervisor: Principal Investigator (FMS),  Iñigo Lasa  e-mail: ilasa@unavarra.es
• More contact: Project manager, Mikel Rubio  e-mail: mrubigan@navarra.es
  
• DC 4: NN
• Learn more about this position at EURAXESS 

Project Description

DC4 will explore the use of bacteriophages as a prophylactic approach  during the two-stage revision process for infected prostheses. The project involves designing and testing phage therapies that target specific bacteria using synthetic phages incorporating elements such as CRISPR encapsulated in pathogenic islands. In the second stage, various phage administration methods will be evaluated, such as hydrogels and coatings, with the aim of improving the efficiency of phages in treating infections associated with medical implants. 

Objectives

This PhD project aims to improve the efficacy of phages and recombinant phages for treating implant-associated infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The goal is to design and construct genetically modified phages with an expanded host range and enhanced ability to inactivate diverse S. aureus strains in animal models of infection.

By combining microbiology, molecular biology, and animal models, the PhD student will generate and assess novel phage-based therapies targeting infected prosthetic implant sites, with the ultimate aim of preventing reinfection following reimplantation.

Research activities include:

• Design and generate recombinant phages with improved properties for the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus.
• Develop a protocol for preparing a hydrogel containing bacteriophages active against the bacteria causing the infection.
• Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of phage-based coatings for prostheses prior to reimplantation, ensuring that the bacteriophages in the coating specifically target the bacteria responsible for the infection.
• Implementation of an in vivo model in rats to study the efficacy of a new phage treatment

Training and mobility:

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• UAB (SPAIN)
• ARI (Switzerland)
• Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

Expected Results