Antibacterial Agent for Healthcare Applications

The developing entity has a solid track record in the following research fields: on the one hand,in electrochemical chemistry and functional materials, with particular specialization in the development of viologens and their multiple applications. On the other hand, in toxicology and microbiology, specially in the application of different human and environmental in vitro models to evaluate the safety of materials, and the use of biomedical relevant strains to study the antimicrobial properties of new compounds. In-depth studies have been carried out on the electrochemical and toxicological behavior of different viologen derivatives, generating advanced knowledge in the chemical modification of these molecules to optimize their properties. This experience has made it possible to identify new high value-added biomedical applications, expanding the impact of a research line that was previously focused on the energy sector.

The control of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria, represents one of the major current challenges in the healthcare field due to the increasing antibiotic resistance and the urgent need for new effective and safe antimicrobial agents. In the state of the art, viologens, in particular methyl viologen, have been mainly associated with high toxicity, which has limited their application in the biomedical field. Previous studies have reported the antibacterial activity of materials incorporating viologens immobilized on surfaces; however, the antimicrobial activity of viologens as discrete molecular entities had not been investigated in depth prior to the development of the present technology. The results obtained demonstrate that functionalization with specific chemical groups significantly reduces toxicity while conferring high antibacterial activity in viologens, thereby opening a new avenue for the application of these compounds in the healthcare sector.

Applications

• Treatment of bacterial infections
• Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces
• Disinfection of medical and surgical instruments
• Formulation of disinfectant and antiseptic products
• Antimicrobial coatings for devices and high-risk surfaces
• Hygiene and sanitization products for critical environments
• Functionalization to reduce toxicity and improve selectivity.
• Applicable both in the treatment of infections and in the disinfection of surfaces and medical instruments, expanding its market scope.

New and innovative aspects

• Use of a chemical functionalisation strategy to convert a toxic compound into a safe and effective antibacterial agent.
• Novel antibacterial application of functionalised viologen compounds, previously used mainly in the energy sector.
• Discovery of antimicrobial activity in discrete molecules, without the need for surface immobilisation.

Main advantages of its use

• High effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria, including clinically relevant strains.
• Low toxicity to human cells, unlike conventional viologens such as methyl viologen.
• Innovative alternative to conventional antibiotics, contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
• High formulation versatility (liquids, sprays, coatings).
• Technology with strong potential for industrial transfer and commercial exploitation in the healthcare sector.

Specifications

• Compounds based on functionalised viologens.
• Effective antibacterial activity at concentrations safe for human cells.
• Proven activity against clinically relevant Gram-negative bacteria.
• Usable as free molecule, salt or solvate, without the need for solid supports.
• Suitable for incorporation into disinfectant, antiseptic and pharmaceutical products.
• Discrete molecules with antibacterial activity safe for human cells.

Desired business relationship

A licensing agreement and/or collaborative partnership with healthcare, pharmaceutical or biotech companies is sought for the final development, validation and international commercialisation of the technology.