The following project has been awarded consumables funding by the AMR network:

'Antimicrobial growth on maxillofacial prostheses'

Maxillofacial prostheses are usually fabricated to mask defects or deformities in patients especially when surgery is not feasible. These defects or deformities are caused by cancer, traumatic accidents or congenital diseases. These prostheses generally last between 13 – 28 months mostly due to degradation of material properties, colour discolouration, fungal and bacterial growth. Furthermore, these prostheses are exposed to mucosa, moist air and skin secretions, subsequently multilayer biofilm formation can occur on the surfaces in contact with the skin. Cleansing, care and storage conditions post-fabrication make these prostheses vulnerable to bacterial and fungal growth resulting in personal hygiene problems and infections.

This research seeks to determine materials processing and post care methods for the maxillofacial prostheses in reducing the biofilm growth. This will be done by utilising staining/microscopy and biological assays to observe reduction of colonies of microbial growth of the most commonly used material in maxillofacial prostheses.  

Project Lead: Simon Martin