The Oxoid Prize for the Best Project in Microbiology (2008) has been awarded at the University of Brighton School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences to Niamh Kilbride for her investigations into the potential use of bacteriophage coatings for the prevention of microbial colonisation on medical devices.

In her research project, Niamh investigated several different methods for the immobilisation of phage K, with a view to developing a coating that would be effective against Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 10788.

She studied the retention of the bacteriophage when dried onto the surface of untreated and silanised glass. She then incorporated the bacteriophage into a hydrogel coating and investigated whether the coating was effective at preventing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on its surface.

Niamh concluded that it is possible to create a bacteriophage coating that can prevent microbial colonisation at sufficiently high concentrations of bacteriophage. She also concluded that the development of a suitable bacteriophage coating could potentially reduce and prevent the growth of bacteria in vivo.

Alison Smith, pharmaceutical microbiology manager, Oxoid, commented, “We are delighted to recognise this excellent research project. Pharmaceutical microbiologists worldwide are involved in the development and testing of new antimicrobials to fight hospital-acquired infections associated with indwelling medical devices, such as catheters. As a world-leading microbiology brand, we are keen to promote microbiologists like Niamh whose research may hold the answers for the prevention of such infections.”

Niamh was presented with a framed certificate and a cheque for £150 prior to the graduation ceremonies at the University.