Biomaterials Related Infection Group

Dr Bayston has wide research interests. He is working on the pathogenesis of BRI, involving quantitative determination of bacterial adherence and biofilm development on various materials and in different physiological conditions; treatment of biofilm infections; and particularly their prevention. Examples of recent research are the role of SCV (biofilm phenotype) in biofilm infections and treatment failure; the role of infection in "aseptic" loosening of hip implants; and virulence factors in Propionibacterium acnes involved in infections in arthroplasty and spinal instrumentation.

The role of biofilm–forming bacteria was recently investigated in both ureteric stent encrustation (with Professor David Grant and Dr Sarah Waters) and Otitis Media with Effusion (with Professor John Birchall). Prevention of BRI is a major interest and depends on several approaches, the main one being antimicrobial biomaterials. Dr Bayston's strong interest in antimicrobial biomaterials has resulted in a patented process which has been used to develop a clinically successful "anti - infective" hydrocephalus shunt, with over 125,000 recipients worldwide, and further developments are under way to address infection in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, peritoneal and haemodialysis, renal medicine and in patients using central venous access devices. A second patent in this area has now been filed.

There is close collaboration with Professor Steve Howdle's group in Chemistry on development of nanoparticulate metal impregnation of medical polymers using supercritical carbon dioxide, with Professor Kevin Shakesheff’s group in Pharmacy on biodegradable antimicrobial delivery systems; with urologists and nephrologists in Nottingham and Derby; and Dr Mark Luciano (Cleveland Clinic USA) on models of neurosurgical shunting. We have an MRC Doctoral Training student with Professor Howdle, and an MRC Developmental Pathway grant with Miss Brigitte Scammell (PI) and Professor Shakesheff.

The research group therefore enjoys all of the benefits of being part of an intellectually heterogeneous Division as well as of three of the University's specialist Institutes. BRIG has interests in academic research into clinical infection in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, renal medicine and other disciplines in which implantable devices are used. With access to all clinical specialties in three major hospitals with a total of approximately 3000 beds, there are attractive opportunities for research. Clinical material is available through the diagnostic laboratory facilities which serve these hospitals. The Group is based in the newly refurbished laboratories in Queen’s Medical Centre, and has close contacts with the Nottingham City Hospital, Derby Royal Hospital and the main University Park Campus, including frequent research meetings and joint seminars.

The Group hosts students for MSc Clinical / Molecular Medical Microbiology projects, and BMedSci projects.

Awards and Prizes

Dr Bayston has stepped down as Honorary Secretary of the British Orthopaedic Research Society. He has now been elected President of the Society for Research into Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida. He continues as Chair of the BSAC Working Group on Neurosurgical Infection, and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Dr Litza Vera was awarded a prize for the best oral presentation at the Federation of Infections Societies meeting in Cardiff, 2008. Leanne Fisher has won First Prize in the PhD student Oral Presentations competition.

Collaborations

The group has active collaborations with clinicians and scientists within the University of Nottingham, especially with the School of Chemistry, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering and the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. There are additional links and consultancies with Industry.