Theme 3 Chronic wounds: Microbiome, interactome, exposome, resistome

Our research themes

A pathology: The chronic wound

• Clinical problems

• Our objectives

Identification of new diagnostic solutions

Identification of new therapeutic solutions

Our projects

1) The polymicrobial biofilm

The presence of polymicrobial biofilm is identified in 60 to 80% of chronic wounds. The clinical consequence of this biofilm is a delay in healing and a chronicization of the infection. We are working through the development of our technical platform to improve knowledge on the formation, regulation and characterization of these polymicrobial biofilms from diabetic foot ulcers.

2) Extrinsic factors, of an environmental nature

Oxygen concentration, moisture levels, temperature or even pH are intimately linked to wound healing. Our goal in the laboratory is to develop in vitro models that take into account the environment in which bacteria evolve. Also, we have developed and patented a culture medium mimicking the stringent environment found within diabetic foot ulcers and analyze its impact on bacterial characteristics.

3) Description and study of the skin microbiota

Studies of microbial communities associated with diabetic foot ulcers have increased steadily in recent years. It appears that the composition of the microbiota of the wound would have an impact on healing or the risk of amputation in patients. Our studies seek to highlight differences in bacterial diversity, the presence/absence of certain species depending on the favorable or unfavorable evolution of the wound.

4) Bacterial interactions

To be able to influence wound healing, it is important to take the entire bacterial community that is present in the wound into consideration, and not only an isolated species. Particularly, our team is interested in understanding the mechanisms that govern the cooperation between Staphylococcus aureus and other bacterial species (Helcococcus Kunzii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-negative Staphylococci).

5) The search for alternative treatments to antibiotics

We devote part of our research work to testing new antibiotics, antiseptics, adjuvants, phages and molecules with antibiofilm activity, which could one day complete the therapeutic arsenal used against infections of diabetic foot ulcers.