University of Pennsylvania

University of Rochester

Hyun Koo

Henry Daniell

Kathleen J Stebe

Danielle Benoit

Vijay Kumar

David Cormode

Elizabeth Hunter

Megan L Falsetta Wood

Pratap Naha

Marlise I Klein

Edward Steager

Evan Brink

Lizeng Gao

Systems and methods for eradicating biofilms by killing bacteria within a biofilm, degrading the matrix and removing biofilm debris are disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter provides techniques for administering a suspension of HOand iron oxide nanoparticles to substantially eradicate bacteria within a biofilm matrix and degrade the bio film matrix, actuating the iron oxide nanoparticles for assembly into biohybrid robots suitable for removal of biofilm debris, and moving the biohybrid robots to remove the bio film debris from accessible or enclosed surfaces. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter can include embedding iron oxide nanoparticles in a hydrogel to form a soft robotic structure, administering the soft robotic structure to a biofilm-covered location, and magnetizing the soft robot structure to substantially eradicate bacteria within a biofilm matrix, degrade the biofilm matrix, and remove biofilm debris from enclosed surfaces.

Small-scale robots for biofilm eradication

The invention provides a method for combating biofilm, said method comprising contacting a biofilm with a composition comprising an effective amount of antimicrobial peptide biofilm enzyme combinations, preferably in the form of a fusion protein. The biofilm may be on an animate or inanimate surface and both medical and non-medical uses and methods are provided. In one aspect the invention provides a composition for use in the treatment or prevention of a biofilm in a subject, particularly in the oral cavity.

Compositions and methods for inhibiting biofilm deposition and production

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to iron oxide nanoparticle compositions and formulations thereof for: (1) the treatment and elimination of biofilms; (2) the prevention of biofilm formation; (3) biofilm extracellular matrix degradation; (4) the inhibition of bacterial viability and growth within the biofilm; and (5) the prevention of tooth or apatitic demineralization. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a composition for the prevention and treatment of an oral disease (e.g., dental caries) that includes one or more iron oxide nanoparticles and hydrogen peroxide.

Iron oxide nanoparticles and methods of use thereof

The present invention relates to compositions and methods to treat and/or prevent biofilms and biofilm related diseases. The invention comprises a nanoparticle carrier (NPC) and at least one therapeutic agent therein. The NPC binds within biofilm and to surfaces at risk for biofilm formation and accumulation while providing local, sustained, enhanced and controlled delivery of the therapeutic agent, when triggered for release. In one embodiment, the NPC comprises pH-responsive elements that allows for specific delivery of the therapeutic agent when the local environment dictates that the agent should be delivered precisely when it is most needed.

Nanoparticles for controlled release of anti-biofilm agents and methods of use

Growing community of inventors

Philadelphia, PA, United States of America

Hyun Koo