The research led by Dr. Jessica Bravo, researcher associated with the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) and director of the Biomedical Research Center of the Universidad Diego Portales, was recently featured by the digital outlet El Mostrador for its progress in developing new topical formulations for the treatment of skin infections in companion animals.
The project, funded by the National Research and Development Agency (ANID) through the IDeA I+D 2024 competition, seeks to create safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of canine pyoderma, one of the most common bacterial skin infections in dogs, whose treatment has become especially challenging due to increasing antimicrobial resistance.
The scientific proposal is based on the use of essential oils obtained from native Chilean plants, which show antibacterial activity against microorganisms associated with this disease, particularly Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Through these formulations, the team seeks to offer a natural alternative, backed by scientific evidence and with potential application in veterinary medicine.
During the project, studies have been carried out to validate the antibacterial activity, safety evaluations in preclinical models and preliminary tests in dogs diagnosed with superficial pyoderma. These advances have made it possible to consolidate a technology platform with prospects for technology transfer and the future arrival of these developments on the veterinary market.
The team also plans to incorporate nanotechnology tools through nanoencapsulation strategies, which would protect the bioactive compounds, improve their stability and optimize their therapeutic efficacy.
