We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Naphthalene-Dipeptide Hydrogels Destroy Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Biofilms

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 03 Sep 2014
Print article
Image: Ball-and-stick model of the naphthalene molecule, as determined from X-ray crystallographic data (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Ball-and-stick model of the naphthalene molecule, as determined from X-ray crystallographic data (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Novel hydrogels derived from self-assembling dipeptides conjugated to naphthalene were shown to dissolve bacterial biofilms, which indicated considerable promise for use in constructing bacteria-resistant nanomaterial structures, biomaterials, and drug delivery devices.

Biofilm bacteria, which thrive on the surfaces of implants and catheters, are a major medical problem, as they are highly resistant to current therapeutic strategies. To correct this problem, investigators at Queen's University (Belfast, United Kingdom) introduced a novel form of hydrogel based on ultrashort cationic self-assembled peptides bound to naphthalene.

Results published in the July 28, 2014, online edition of the journal Biomacromolecules revealed that lysine-conjugated variants displayed the greatest potency with 2% NapFFKK (K is the abbreviation for lysine) hydrogels significantly reducing viable Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm by 94%. Cytotoxicity assays against murine fibroblast (NCTC 929) cell lines confirmed that the gels possessed reduced cytotoxicity towards eukaryotic cells and caused only limited hemolysis of equine erythrocytes.

First author Dr. Garry Laverty, pharmacy lecturer at Queen's University, said, "When bacteria attach to surfaces, including medical implants such as hip replacements and catheters, they produce a jelly-like substance called the biofilm. This protective layer is almost impossible for current antibiotics to penetrate through. Therefore bacteria deep within this protective layer are resistant as they remain unexposed to the therapy. They grow and thrive on surfaces to cause infections that are very difficult to treat. The only option is often to remove the medical implant leading to further pain and discomfort for the patient. Our gels would prevent this. Our gels are unique as they target and kill the most resistant forms of hospital superbugs. It involves the use of gels composed of the building blocks of natural proteins, called peptides, the same ingredients that form human tissue. These molecules are modified slightly in the laboratory to allow them to form gels that will rapidly kill bacteria."

Related Links:

Queen's University


New
Gold Member
ANA & ENA Screening Assays
ANA and ENA Assays
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
Silver Member
Benchtop Image Acquisition Device
Microwell Imager
New
Vitamin B12 Test
CHORUS CLIA VIT B12

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.