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




Bifunctional Gold Nanoparticles Destroy Bacterial Pathogens with Antibiotic and Thermal Killing

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Apr 2016
Print article
Image: This schematic illustration shows the working principle of the gold nanocage-based, photo-activated anti-bacterial drug delivery system (Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas).
Image: This schematic illustration shows the working principle of the gold nanocage-based, photo-activated anti-bacterial drug delivery system (Photo courtesy of the University of Arkansas).
A team of bioengineers has designed a novel class of targeted bifunctional nanoparticles that attacks pathogenic bacteria with both antibiotic and photo-activated thermal killing strokes.

Investigators at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, USA) were searching for alternative methods to treat infections caused by the "ESKAPE" group of pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species), which have developed antibiotic resistance and cause the majority of nosocomial infections.

Towards this end they developed a nanoparticle drug delivery system based on polydopamine-coated gold nanocages. These nanoparticles could be coated with an antibiotic and labeled with antibodies to guide them to specific bacterial targets. The gold particles could be induced to release the antibiotic while warming to a lethal temperature upon exposure to low levels of laser light.

The investigators used Staphylococcus aureus as a proof-of-principle ESKAPE pathogen to demonstrate that an appropriate antibiotic (daptomycin) could be incorporated into polydopamine-coated gold nanocages and that daptomycin-loaded gold nanocages could be conjugated to antibodies targeting a species-specific surface protein (staphylococcal protein A; Spa) as a means of achieving selective delivery of the nanoparticles directly to the bacterial cell surface.

They reported in the February 16, 2016, online edition of the journal ACS Infectious Diseases that targeting specificity was confirmed by demonstrating a lack of binding to mammalian cells, reduced photothermal and antibiotic killing of the Spa-negative species Staphylococcus epidermidis, and reduced killing of S. aureus in the presence of unconjugated anti-Spa antibodies. In addition, they demonstrated that laser irradiation at levels within the current safety standard for use in humans could be used to achieve both a lethal photothermal effect and controlled release of the antibiotic. The combination of antibiotic action and lethal heat eradicated all detectable S. aureus cells.

While the system was validated using free-floating bacterial cultures of both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains, it was subsequently shown to be effective in the context of an established biofilm, thus indicating that this approach could be used to facilitate the effective treatment of intrinsically resistant biofilm infections.

“We believe that this approach could facilitate the effective treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including those associated with bacterial biofilms, which are involved in a wide variety of bacterial infections,” said senior author Dr. Jingyi Chen, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Arkansas.

Related Links:

University of Arkansas


Gold Member
Flocked Fiber Swabs
Puritan® Patented HydraFlock®
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor
eLab
New
Chlamydia Test Kit
CHLAMYTOP

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

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The FDA clearance for the QIAstat-Dx Respiratory Panel Mini test follows the recent approval of QIAstat-Dx Respiratory Panel Plus (Photo courtesy of QIAGEN)

Respiratory Panel to Help Clinicians Make Precise Treatment Decisions in Outpatient Settings

Respiratory tract infections are the primary reason for visits to emergency departments and subsequent hospitalizations. In the U.S., it is estimated that there are up to 41 million cases of influenza... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The new technique allows properties of cancer cells and their surrounding tissue to be analyzed in detail at single-cell level (Photo courtesy of Universität Helsinki/Karolina Punovuori)

New Imaging Method Opens Door to Precision Diagnostics for Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers, while considered rare, represent a significant portion of cancer cases and have seen a notable increase over the past 30 years. These cancers encompass various malignant tumors that... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.