Novel Therapeutic Agent to Target Microbial Biofilms

Background

Bacterial biofilms, or complex organized communities of bacterial cells, are responsible for most chronic infections, as well as for major medical contaminations and industrial biofouling. Bacteria in biofilms are resistant to conventional antimicrobial treatments and are notoriously difficult to eradicate, leading to persistent infections or recalcitrant sources of contamination. Biofilm-specific strategies are needed to address these major unmet medical and industrial issues.

Technology Overview

Cis-2-decenoic acid (cis-DA) is a naturally produced bacterial signaling molecule that combats chronic and resistant hard-to-treat infections and contaminations via a biofilm-specific mechanism of action. Binghamton University researchers have found that by inducing microbial biofilms to disperse or disaggregate, cis-DA abrogates their inherent defense mechanisms, making the microorganisms more susceptible to antimicrobial agents. Acting at nanomolar concentrations, cis-DA has been shown to act as a robust adjunctive to enhance the efficacy of various medical antimicrobials and industrial disinfectants against a wide array of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as a number of fungal pathogens.

Benefits

• Broad Spectrum: Active against a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as fungal pathogens.
• Natural: Signaling molecule synthesized by bacteria.
• Versatile: Improves activity of a wide range of antimicrobials and disinfectants.
• Effective: Active at nanomolar concentrations.

Applications

Applications include, but are not limited to:

• Human health (oral health, chronic infections, wound care, Cystic Fibrosis, surgical site infections, implanted medical devices).
• Animal health (oral health, skin health, and wound care).
• Skincare.
• Disinfection (medical and industrial).
• Anti-fouling and anti-corrosion (food processing, water purification and distribution, cooling towers, oil and gas pipelines, paper and pulp installations).