Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit. Subproject: Nitric Oxide-Mediated Control of Bacterial Biofilms in Respiratory Bronchiectasis

Project overview

NIHR. Infrastructure Grant. £6,000,000 (£455K of which for biofilm program).

Staff

Lead researcher

Research interests

Professor Djukanovic has a lifelong interest in asthma, especially its severe forms. where his focus is on: 1) underlying pathobiological mechanisms of asthma, 2) stratification of asthma into clinical phenotypes and mechanism-based endotypes, 3) unmet needs of severe asthma management. He also has an interest in the mechanisms and treatments of severe viral infections of the lung.
Underlying mechanisms of asthma: Professor Djukanovic has conducted pioneer studies into the pathology of asthma, applying research bronchoscopy (with endobronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage) and sputum induction. He led the initial task forces which defined the use of these two techniques, thereby paving the way for standardised research approches that enabled in-depth descriptions of the roles of various inflammatory cells and their mediators. He developed an explant model, consisting of bronchial biopsies placed into tissue culture, that could be stimulated ex vivo with relevant triggers, applying as needed, novel agents not yet approved for in vivo use in humans volunteers.

Connect with Ratko

Email: rd1@soton.ac.uk

Other researchers

Connect with Jeremy

Email: j.s.webb@soton.ac.uk

Collaborating research institutes, centres and groups

Microbiology

We work on topics like patient treatment regimens, catheter design and management, and surgical instrument decontamination.

Biofilms are a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on different surfaces. Their impact is central to some of the most urgent global challenges, including food and water security, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), infections disease and contamination and more.