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National Institutes of Health funds LSU chemistry professor’s research aimed at developing a new class of molecules for treating biofilm infections

Chronic skin wounds and biofilm infections pose significant challenges in healthcare. A new NIH-funded project aims to develop a novel class of molecules targeting bacterial iron homeostasis to combat these infections. The researchers have identified proof-of-concept small molecules that can inhibit the BfrB-Bfd protein-protein interac...

Understanding bacterial biofilms

Researchers are exploring how bacteria form biofilms, which can be detrimental to health but also have potential uses in medicine and environmental cleanup. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind microbial growth in biofilms and develop new materials and treatments.

Photodynamic therapy with chlorin e-6 can be effective auxiliary treatment for dental caries

The study demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chlorin e-6 can effectively reduce bacterial plaque biofilms containing cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans. The treatment eliminated S. mutans and decreased total microorganisms by up to 3.7 units, with approximately 99% efficacy of antimicrobial activity.

Safeguarding clean water for spaceflight missions

A team of researchers characterized different bacterial populations isolated from the International Space Station's potable water system, exploring their functional properties and long-term interactions. The study aimed to improve microbial risk assessments for human-built environments in space and on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Study shows potential dangers of sweeteners

Research from Anglia Ruskin University found that common artificial sweeteners like saccharin and sucralose can make previously healthy gut bacteria pathogenic. The study discovered that these pathogenic bacteria can invade intestinal cells and cause damage.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 24, 2021

New drug formulation could treat Candida infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new drug formulation that significantly improves the activity of fluconazole against Candida biofilms. The study uses bacterial signals to improve fluconazole's effectiveness, offering a potential alternative to current antifungal treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateApr 28, 2020

Healing power of honey

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that layering Manuka honey between layers of surgical mesh acts as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting bacteria growth and preventing infection. The study showcases the potential benefits of infusing medical implants with honey, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateDec 3, 2019

Honey, I shrunk the cell culture

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a near-infrared laser that can change the size and shape of a block of gel-like material while human or bacterial cells grow on it. This tool holds promise for biomedical researchers seeking to shed light on how to grow replacement tissues and organs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 23, 2018

Researchers develop microbubble scrubber to destroy dangerous biofilms

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a system that harnesses the power of bubbles to destroy microbial biofilms. The system uses diatoms loaded with an oxygen-generating chemical, which creates microbubbles that propel tiny particles through the surfaces of tough films and deliver an antiseptic deathblow to...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 19, 2018

Bacterial biofilms, begone

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new biomaterial that effectively prevents the formation of biofilms by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a virulent superbug. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of antibacterial surfaces for wound dressings and other medical applications.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 31, 2017

Biofilms -- the eradication has begun

Scientists at McGill University Health Centre develop novel enzyme technology that prevents and breaks down biofilms, exposing microbes to antibiotics and host defenses. This approach has huge potential to combat biofilm-associated infections responsible for thousands of deaths across North America.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2017

Biofilm discovery suggests new way to prevent dangerous infections

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

Protein disrupts infectious biofilms

A team of researchers at Caltech and the University of Oxford identified a protein that degrades and inhibits biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the primary pathogen in cystic fibrosis infections. This discovery offers a new approach to inhibit biofilm development and has promise for treating antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections.

Simple food additive slows E. coli poisoning

A team of researchers found that polysorbate 80, a safe food additive, can slow the toxic effects of E. coli poisoning by attacking its protective biofilm and rendering it harmless. This approach could provide an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics without driving antimicrobial resistance.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiofouling·DateNov 1, 2016

Nanofiber coating prevents infections of prosthetic joints

A novel nanofiber coating with antibiotic-releasing properties has shown promise in preventing serious bacterial infections related to total joint replacement surgery. The coating was found to completely eradicate infection and prevent bone loss, a common complication that leads to prosthetic loosening and failure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

Understanding bacteria's slimy fortresses

Researchers tracked a single bacterial cell as it grew into a mature biofilm of 10,000 cells. They found that the bacteria secrete a glue-like substance to keep from getting washed away and protect themselves from competing bacteria. A key gene, RbmA, plays a crucial role in developing a denser, stronger biofilm.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2016