MSU Technologies

Therapeutic for Tissue Healing and Resistive Bacteria

INTRODUCTION

Healing infected tissue and combating resistant bacteria are significant clinical challenges. Antibiotic-based therapies are increasingly unsuccessful due to the ability of pathogens to develop resistance. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for example, is a leading cause of many infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. The traditional therapeutic approach against MRSA is the systematic administration of antibiotics, however, the ability of MRSA to develop resistance has rendered this approach increasingly ineffective. In order to combat antibiotic resistant pathogens, researchers have attempted to identify new modes of action of the drug. Targeting different processes in the cell has been explored however, this strategy is not always successful and does not eliminate the risk of resistance.

DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

This technology is silver doped bioactive glass-ceramic microparticles (Ag-BG) ranging from micron down to nanosized. Ag ions damage the bacterial cell envelope, nucleic acids, and inhibit the activity of specific proteins. The problem associated with heavy metals is that the therapeutic dose and toxic dose are comparable and direct dosage of heavy metals ions is not viable therapeutic strategy. With this new technology, heavy metal ions are incorporated into bioactive glass-ceramic microparticles which control their release such that localized concentrations are lethal to bacteria but not to the host. The technology has been tested in vitro and demonstrated up to 6-log reduction in MRSA concentration when used in conjunction with antibiotics not typically effective when used alone. In vivo mice studies have also shown improved bone growth in bone defects and reparative dentin formation and enhanced preservation of vital pulp tissue.

BENEFITS

Effective against resistant bacteria including MRSA
Synergistic with existing antibiotics and restoring the sensitivity of antibiotic MRSA resists.
Improved bone growth and dentin formation

APPLICATIONS