Antimicrobial polymers earn NSF grantAntimicrobial polymers earn NSF grant

(Radnor, PA) has one grade in particular that shows promise for development as an active agent in antimicrobial sutures. The NSF grant, which is the company's twelfth grant or research contract, commences on July 1, 2010 and supports six months of research.

The researchers are working toward a material that provides broad antimicrobial activity against pathogens associated with surgical site infections (SSI). PolyMedix believes its materials are less likely to develop resistance because of what it calls the unique mechanism of action of the PolyCide polymer materials. According to the company, SSIs are the third most common hospital-acquired infection, with more than 60% of SSIs arising in the area of the incision, making the use of sutures coated with an antibacterial agent a potentially effective way to reduce infection rates.