MSU Technologies

Anti-Biofilm Compound 1 (ABC-1) and Associated Derivative Molecules

Introduction

Bacteria commonly attach to living and nonliving surfaces in the form of biofilms. In this morphology, the bacteria synthesize a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that provide the biofilm with protection and structural support. The EPS also gives the biofilm resistance to antibiotics and immune system clearance, making biofilms very difficult, if not impossible, to treat.

Biofilms are responsible for billions of dollars in expenses every year. They have been estimated to cause more than 17 million human infections and 550,000 deaths annually. Examples of these infections are otitis media, contamination of indwelling medical devices or artificial surfaces, chronic non-healing wounds, and lung infections of cystic fibrosis patients. Biofilms are also responsible for a wide variety of industrial problems, ranging from contamination of products to degradation of equipment.

Description of Technology

Michigan State University’s technology is a set of compounds, known as Anti-Biofilm Compounds (ABC), that are able to inhibit biofilm formation of several bacterial pathogens. Restricted to their free-living state, bacteria are much easier to treat with antibiotics or removal by the host’s immune system.

Key Benefits

Improved treatment strategies: By restricting bacteria to their free-living state, they can be more effectively treated with antibiotics or naturally cleared by the immune response.
Prolonged equipment life: ABC can protect industrial equipment prone to biofilm degradation.

Applications