Researchers have developed a novel compound for the
treatment of biofilm-related infections and for the prevention of industrial
biofilm development.
The Opportunity
Biofilms are the cause of a number of diseases which are
associated with a variety of chronic infections in humans. They typically form
on a variety of surfaces within the body, for example, in the respiratory tract
and lungs (associated with cystic fibrosis and Legionnaire's disease), on
surfaces of the ear (associated with otitis media), and of the heart and heart
valves (associated with bacterial endocarditis). This can have severe
consequences including a great degree of resistance to antibiotics and an
increase in morbidity.
Biofilms are also known to form on medical equipment
and in industrial situations where systems are exposed to water. They can cause
significant industrial damage including fouling and corrosion.
The Technology
The present technology is a novel bio-film dispersing agent.
The agent includes a compound, which is able to provide a controlled release of
single molecule nitric oxide upon activation by bacterial enzymes.
The release of nitric oxide disperses biofilm and
exposes the bacteria within the biofilm to other agents such as antibiotics.
This mechanism enables, for example, an infection to be treated via normal
antibiotic action.
The compound has the potential for the treatment of
biofilm-related infections, and can also be used in the prevention of industrial
biofilm development. The novel compound developed has been shown to have a
stable and targeted release of Nitric Oxide, which provides significant
advantage over previous Nitric Oxide donors.
The Team
The technology is being developed by inventors
from the University of New South Wales in conjunction wthe University of
Wollongong. The UNSW inventors include: Scott Rice, Staffan Kjelleberg and
Nicolas Barrraud. The UoW inventors include: Michael Kelso and Bharat
Kardak.
Investment
Opportunity
NewSouth Innovations is looking for a partner to help
further develop this technology in the biofilm regulation, human health and
other industrial markets.
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Technology Brief