Novel innovative solutions for diaper rash treatment using diapers with probiotic bacteria

Based on the newest insights of functioning of human microbiome, we are introducing a breakthrough innovation in the field of treatment and prevention of diaper rash, based on a combination of new, natural, biocompatible and biodegradable carrier materials and either whole microbiome or selected culturable probiotic (commensal) bacteria isolated from healthy skin of babies that will modulate adaptive immune response as well as it will stimulate development of normal healthy microbial communities involved in innate immunity. By developing a laboratory model dressing that will simulate the final product - a diaper, we will test different compositions of carrier materials, and different molecular microbiological approaches either using isolated bacterial strains or whole skin microbiome transplants that will be both obtained and analysed in an epidemiological study on babies bottoms with and without frequent diaper rash occurrence, in order to ensure maximum efficiency in eliminating and preventing diaper rash, while assuring maximum safety for the baby's bottom. Among carrier materials, we will use natural polysaccharides that will, by adequate modification, provide super-absorbency and enable appropriate attachment of probiotic bacteria. Based on these findings, we will develop a prototype diaper incorporating probiotic bacteria and perform all necessary pre-clinical tests facilitating future evaluation in a clinical study.

The proposed project is in many ways unique, namely it combines two rarely intertwined scientific fields, the public health and textile chemistry, as well as innovative by building on and upgrading the existing knowledge in both fields to find novel solutions for a persistent public health problem, namely the diaper rash. The proposed solutions go beyond state-of-the-art in many ways, from the perspective of public health related issues (diaper rash is a very common issue), development of novel treatments for the diaper rash (through use of probiotic bacteria), using the most advanced available techniques in textile chemistry (e.g. electrospinning and 3D printing) and all this with the focus to address a pressing scientific, clinical and industrial problem.   Initially, we will provide insight into the local anogenital microbiome composition of healthy infants and infants with diapers rash. We will use the latest methods in molecular microbiology to not only define, but also to understand this composition. Based on this knowledge and considering the state-of-the-art in regard of the present diaper composition, we will design novel, natural polymer based model diapers using the most advanced available techniques. An important part of our studies will be dedicated to the understanding of interactions between all diaper components, bacteria and skin cells and all this in a simulated physiological environment. All mentioned presents an unique approach of tackling a persisting health related problem and through use of the most modern characterization techniques and methodological approaches, the scientific community will greatly benefit from such an approach and the generated knowledge, paving the way for many other similar studies still to come.   New knowledge will be directly transferred to bachelor, master and PhD students as well as to postdoctoral researchers. Some of the specific actions to be undertaken for the communication and dissemination are listed: i) participation at conferences and scientific meetings on the national, bilateral and international level related to the objectives of the present project, including a positive inclination towards disseminating the results to interested industrial partners, working in similar fields (medicine, chemistry, pharmacy and steel engineering), with whom we could jointly apply for future Horizon 2020 project (and others); ii) publication of scientific articles in highly ranked journals with a broad readership, as well as industrial related journals within the sectors that will be indirectly or consequently involved in the present project; iii) organizing workshops for the dissemination of the resulting technology with the participation of R&D centres from the business associations of the industrial sectors related to the project; iv) scientific networking in order to establish a broad scientific and business network in fields related to the project content.

The proposed project is in many ways unique, namely it combines two rarely intertwined scientific fields, the public health and textile chemistry, as well as innovative by building on and upgrading the existing knowledge in both fields to find novel solutions for a persistent public health problem, namely the diaper rash. The proposed solutions go beyond state-of-the-art in many ways, from the perspective of public health related issues (diaper rash is a very common issue), development of novel treatments for the diaper rash (through use of probiotic bacteria), using the most advanced available techniques in textile chemistry (e.g. electrospinning and 3D printing) and all this with the focus to address a pressing scientific, clinical and industrial problem.   Initially, we will provide insight into the local anogenital microbiome composition of healthy infants and infants with diapers rash. We will use the latest methods in molecular microbiology to not only define, but also to understand this composition. Based on this knowledge and considering the state-of-the-art in regard of the present diaper composition, we will design novel, natural polymer based model diapers using the most advanced available techniques. An important part of our studies will be dedicated to the understanding of interactions between all diaper components, bacteria and skin cells and all this in a simulated physiological environment. All mentioned presents an unique approach of tackling a persisting health related problem and through use of the most modern characterization techniques and methodological approaches, the scientific community will greatly benefit from such an approach and the generated knowledge, paving the way for many other similar studies still to come.   New knowledge will be directly transferred to bachelor, master and PhD students as well as to postdoctoral researchers. Some of the specific actions to be undertaken for the communication and dissemination are listed: i) participation at conferences and scientific meetings on the national, bilateral and international level related to the objectives of the present project, including a positive inclination towards disseminating the results to interested industrial partners, working in similar fields (medicine, chemistry, pharmacy and steel engineering), with whom we could jointly apply for future Horizon 2020 project (and others); ii) publication of scientific articles in highly ranked journals with a broad readership, as well as industrial related journals within the sectors that will be indirectly or consequently involved in the present project; iii) organizing workshops for the dissemination of the resulting technology with the participation of R&D centres from the business associations of the industrial sectors related to the project; iv) scientific networking in order to establish a broad scientific and business network in fields related to the project content.