Infectious Diseases

We effectively determine the antimicrobial activity of your experimental products in our high-throughput, cost-effective models.

  • Overprescription and overuse have contributed to rising levels of pathogens resistant to the current arsenal of antimicrobial products. Biofilms, composed of bacteria and/or fungi that have settled on a surface and secreted a protective matrix, also contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
  • A critical step in the drug-development process is testing antimicrobial properties. At Extherid Biosciences, we use our predictive models to test experimental products and ensure that the lead candidates perform well in clinical trials.
  • Our porcine mucosal model (PMM) is an excellent indicator of clinical success. This model provides an exemplary and cost-effective growth medium for bacteria and allows for testing at the surface-air interface, which more closely reflects actual-use conditions.
  • Our highly reproducible PMM functions as an antimicrobial efficacy litmus test to rapidly screen multiple experimental products. We can then maximize the likelihood of clinical success by transitioning the lead candidates into human skin models.
  • We are able to further simulate clinical testing with our human skin models. We can test the efficacy of antimicrobial products on both unwounded and wounded human skin models.
  • If your formulation is designed to be used on large areas of skin (>10m2; e.g, skin preparation solutions for surgery), we use the cup-scrub method (also known as the cylinder sampling method) in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International E2897 - 12(2017).
  • Our models enable efficacy testing against planktonic pathogens as well as those embedded in biofilms. These models are highly customizable. If your current options for infectious disease testing are insufficient, contact us and we will determine how we can best help you achieve your goals.

Models Used

Human Skin

Read more about how we simulate infection, wounds, and inflammation in ex vivo human skin tissue.

We perform research on human skin to test for efficacy against known human pathogens. Our most common organisms tested are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Infections tested are planktonic or biofilm.

We perform research on human skin to test for efficacy against known human pathogens. Our most common organisms tested are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Infections tested are planktonic or biofilm.

Our standard model consists of a 5 mm (variable) explant with a smaller wound made inside. The wounds can be burns, incisions, or biopsy punches and can reach varying depths. We assess wound healing progress with biomarker panels and histology.

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Biofilm Reactor

Learn how we use our biofilm reactors to evaluate biofilm formation on a large variety of materials.

Our reactors serve as a testing platform for drugs or devices against biofilms grown on abiotic surfaces. We can determine whether bacteria will grow to a biofilm in the presence of your materials.

Our reactors are an excellent testing platform for materials in development. They allow us to determine how bacteria will adhere, form biofilm, and grow in the presence of your developmental materials.

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Porcine Skin

Discover how we test a variety of products such as surgical site scrubs, wound dressings, skin cleaners, and disinfectants on our ex vivo porcine skin model.

Porcine skin testing is a method for testing formulations or compounds that are applied to skin (e.g., pre-surgical devices). We can test the efficacy of a compound against the host flora or a known seeded pathogen. We apply this testing on large or small areas of skin.

We can use our porcine skin models to study inflammation by testing the tissue for biomarkers known to be involved in inflammatory processes. After treating the skin with experimental formulations, we can analyze for differences in inflammatory cytokine concentrations at various time points.

Porcine skin serves as a relevant model for wound care. The skin has comparable thickness, hair follicle density, and wound closure via reepithelialization.

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Porcine Mucosal Model (PMM)

Find out how our porcine mucosal model facilitates high-volume testing and provides highly reproducible results.

We apply this model to compounds requiring infectious disease testing. The mucosal tissue serves as an optimal environment for the growing of pathogens. We test against either planktonic or biofilm infections in this model.

This model serves as a unique means of testing for inflammatory cytokines in a cost-effective manner. We can perform ELISAs to determine whether experimental compounds are pro- or anti-inflammatory.

Much of the human genital tract is composed of mucosal tissue. Therefore, this model is excellent for predictive preclinical testing of compounds or products relating to urogenital health.

Using our mucosal model, we can measure bacterial adhesion and host cell toxicity to experimental devices.

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