This is a past event.

Biomedical Engineering Graduate Student Seminar

Ariana Smies

Biomedical Engineering
Michigan Technological University
Advisor: Dr. Rupak Rajachar

Abstract

The growing use of antibiotics has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens. An application in which antibiotic-resistant pathogens are of great concern is in the cetacean population. Current methods used to track migration patterns include the use of implantable stainless steel satellite telemetry tags. These tags pass through the dermal layer and into the underlying blubber tissue. Because the tags pass through the microbiome - which when on the skin is harmless, even beneficial - the potential for bacterial adhesion to the surface of the tag and subsequent infection is increased. Our work centers on the development of a non-antibiotic-based antimicrobial surface coating that utilizes the release of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide to prevent bacterial adhesion as well as improve wound healing outcomes.