Combination Therapy and Methods for Treating Bacterial Biofilms

Advantages:

• No Photoactivation of Porphyrins (TMP) Required
• Enhances effectiveness of treatment
• Able to treat areas/infections not accessible for irradiation
• Wider range of conditions can be treated

Applications:

• New treatment methods for bacterial infections
• Cystic fibrosis
• Tissue transplantation
• Pre‐treatment to existing light therapy to bolster effectiveness
• Combination therapies
• Dark environments  
• Topical treatments (antibacterial gels, lotions, and sprays)

Description:

Bacterial biofilms associated with infections are an increasing problem for antibiotic treatments and delivery techniques because they form a natural boundary that prevents delivery to the bacteria and infected site. This discovery is that in the absence of photoactivation, photosensitive porphyrins enhance the killing effect of known antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria. This not only serves to break down the protective barrier of the biofilms but it actually attacks the biofilm’s extra‐cellular DNA. By breaking down and destroying the structural elements of the biofilm the porphyrin creates pathways that permeate the biofilm and allow the antibiotics to work in a dark environment where previously thought ineffective.  

IP Status:

US Patent

Inventors:

• Jayne Robinson Ph.D
• John Doe

DOWNLOAD PDF