Background

Bacterial biofilms, or complex organized communities of bacterial cells, are responsible for most chronic infections, as well as for major medical contaminations.

The human oral cavity harbors hundreds of bacterial species incorporated into biofilms that result in dental plaque. In the healthy state, plaque biofilms and adjacent host tissue maintain a delicate balance. However, when this balance is disrupted, the plaque can transform into a pathogenic biofilm that can cause dental caries and periodontal disease. In addition to oral diseases, biofilms have been implicated in other infections such as chronic otitis media, native valve endocarditis, gastrointestinal ulcers, urinary tract and middle ear infections, dermatitis, candidiasis, ocular infections such as keratitis and endophthalmitis, and chronic lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Bacteria in biofilms are resistant to conventional antimicrobial treatments and are notoriously difficult to eradicate, leading to persistent infections. Biofilm-specific strategies are needed to address these major unmet medical issues.

Technology Overview

Cis-2-decenoic acid (cis-DA) is a naturally produced bacterial signaling molecule that combats chronic and resistant hard-to-treat infections via a biofilm-specific mechanism of action. Multiple studies at Binghamton University have found that cis-DA induces microbial biofilms to disperse or disaggregate from biofilm to planktonic (single cell) state without killing the bacteria. This way, the agent abrogates their inherent defense mechanisms, making the microorganisms more susceptible to antimicrobial agents and, thus, cis-DA can be used as an adjuvant to enhance the function of available antimicrobials.

Acting at nanomolar concentrations, cis-DA has been shown to act as a robust adjunctive to enhance the efficacy of various medical antimicrobials against a wide array of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as a number of fungal pathogens.

Biofilm dispersion could have treatment/prevention potential in numerous diseases including oral disease. Dispersion of oral bacterial biofilms (dental plaque) would be useful in the treatment/prevention of periodontal disease and dental caries, two of the most common diseases afflicting humans.

Stage of Development

In vitro efficacy studies using various biofilm models against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens.

In vivo wound infection models (murine and porcine). Maximum tolerated dose in mice (oral gavage and IV).

Benefits

Broad Spectrum: Active against a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as fungal pathogens.
Natural: Signaling molecule synthesized by bacteria.
Versatile: Improves activity of a wide range of antimicrobials and disinfectants.
Effective: Active at nanomolar concentrations.

Applications

Applications include, but are not limited to:

Oral health, in conjunction with rinses, gels, dentifrices/pastes, irrigation, liners as delivery form factor, etc.
Wound care, surgical site infections -Implanted medical devices
Skincare (acne, skin infections)
Chronic infections such as cystic fibrosis

Opportunity

Open to various engagements by industry partners, including sponsored research, co-development, licensing, and/or spinout formation, with various human health applications, and in particular oral health. Patent rights available for licensing in selected fields.

Novel Therapeutic Agent to Target Microbial Biofilms

Patents

IP Status

Seeking