Available Technology
Polyamines inhibit bacterial biofilm formation
Technology:
bacterial biofilm inhibition
Markets Addressed
Biofiims are communities of microorganism that live attached to surfaces. In the last decade it has become clear that virtually all types of bacteria can form biofilms, and that this may be the preferred mode of bacterial existence in nature. It is also clear that under certain conditions the biofilm form of existence becomes a liability, when bacteria must be able to detect and respond to unfavorable environmental conditions by returning to the planktonic mode of existence.
Innovations and Advantages
Collaboration between the Losick and Kolter lab yielded the identification of signals involved in the dispersal of biofilms. Focusing specifically on certain members of the organic polyamine family of molecules, they proved that some Polyamines are potent inhibitors of biofilm formation, and can be used alone or with other drugs against gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
It was shown that Polyamines not only inhibit biofilm formation by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Staphylococcus Aureus, but can also cause the breakdown of pre-existing P. Aeruginosa biofilms. In addition, it was established that Polyamines can synergize with D-amino acids in blocking biofilm formation of those pathogens.
Additional Information
This technology is available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing globally for therapeutic applications.
A related publication: Inhibitory effects of D-amino acids on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development.
Hochbaum AI, Kolodkin-Gal I, Foulston L, Kolter R, Aizenberg J, Losick R.
J Bacteriol. 2011 Oct;193(20):5616-22. Epub 2011 Aug 19.
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Inventor(s):
Boettcher, Thomas
Cabeen, Matthew
Cao, Shugeng
Chai, Liraz
Clardy, Jon
Kolodkin-Gal, Ilana
Kolter, Roberto G.
Losick, Richard
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For further information, please contact:
Debra Peattie, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-3067
Reference Harvard Case #4090