Ongoing projects in the Bjarnsholt Group

The temporal and physiological importance of inflammation and bacteria in atopic dermatitis – Novo Nordisk Fonden Tandem programme

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic skin condition associated with allergies, itching, sleep disruption and reduced quality of life. Certain bacteria, e.g. Staphylococcus, exhibit increased growth on the skin of AD patients compared to healthy controls. It is unknown whether changes in skin bacteria composition (the so-called “microbiome”) precede eczema, or vice versa. Staphylococci, particularly, increase in numbers during eczema exacerbation and cause serious infections, but repeated use of antibiotics may lead to bacterial resistance. Consequently, it is difficult for clinicians to properly administer disinfectants and antibiotics to prevent AD and flare-ups. Our projects will follow large groups of healthy adults and newborns and adult patients with AD to determine the role of skin bacteria in AD. The findings will help clinicians identify the correct treatment strategies to prevent and treat AD, as well as assist drug developers to develop improved patient solutions.

 Persistent bacterial infections (PERFECTION) – Novo Nordisk Fonden Challenge Programme

Chronic wounds are a major burden to the health care system and the conditions leading to chronic wounds are not fully understood. A high number of wounds will not heal despite prolonged treatment for 3 months or more. Even in experienced wound care centers, nearly one third of chronic wounds do not heal. Poly-microbial bacterial infections play a role in obstructing wound healing, but the host/bacterial interactions and the role of bacteria in treatment failure is still a black box. To investigate the wound conditions, we will collect patient samples from the skin of healthy humans, acute trauma and chronic wounds and skin adjacent to these. Microbial community structure, clonal diversity and in vivo physiology will be examined by meta-genomic and (meta)transcriptomic analysis, as well as advanced 3D microscopy. Additionally, we will use a newly developed alginate bead model, in which the bacterial aggregates correspond to what is observed in patient samples of chronic wounds. By altering the immediate chemical environment, we can modulate the system to reflect in vivo growth and gene expression profiles.

Molecular and visual characterization of bacteria in colorectal cancer

This project aims to understand the bacterial role in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis by visual and molecular approaches. Molecular and visual characterization of the bacteria, i.e., what they are doing, how they respond to treatments, and how they are interplaying with human cells, will improve our understanding and lead to new strategies to treat and predict cancer development. 

Biofilm in chronic bovine mastitis

This project investigates the role of biofilm in chronic bovine mastitis. Milk samples and biopsies are collected from udders from dairy cows with bovine mastitis and analyzed with multiple techniques to establish the microbiome and presence of biofilm inside the udders.

The project is funded by Statens Veterinære Myndighedsbetjening, Frimodt-Heineke Fonden and Mælkeafgiftsfonden.

Development, validation and clinical trial of a pan-antimicrobial inhalation product

This project investigates a new antibacterial and antiviral inhalation product, both in animal models for potential toxicity and efficacy and in the lab against bacteria. Further, the interaction between the active ingredient and organic matter, incl. bacteria, is characterized. The project started in May 2020 as the inhalation product has potential as a COVID-19 treatment and prevention. The inhalation product is in Phase I testing late 2021. The project is funded by the Norwegian medtech company, SoftOx Solutions AS.

DSM-based treatments for wound healing and implant related infections

This project focuses on using Degradable Starch Microspheres (DSM) as a novel treatment against chronic wounds and implant related infections. DSM are used as a vehicle for a variety of active compounds, which are loaded into the spheres and subsequently released in a controlled manner. Newly developed in vitro chronic wound models are utilized in conjunction with in vivo animal models to ensure the development of safe and efficient new treatments. The project is funded by Magle Chemoswed AB, Sweden.