Microbial biofilms limit antibiotic penetration and can require substantially higher drug exposure than free-floating bacteria. The technology uses phosphocholine-polymer-functionalized liposomes that preferentially associate with bacterial membranes and release encapsulated antimicrobials directly within biofilms. The vesicles can carry one or two agents, combining improved biofilm penetration with coordinated delivery of drugs acting through complementary antibacterial mechanisms.
- Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections
- Antimicrobial delivery for chronic and infected wounds
- Treatment of biofilm-associated medical device and implant infections
- Co-delivery of complementary hydrophilic antimicrobial agents
- Local treatment of air-exposed and tissue-associated biofilms
- Binds and fuses with bacterial membranes more effectively than PEGylated liposomes
- Penetrates biofilms and releases cargo in response to interactions with bacterial membranes
- Supports sequential loading of two hydrophilic drugs within one vesicle
- Achieves greater biofilm killing than equivalent free-drug or PEG-liposome formulations
In vitro proof of concept has been demonstrated bacterial biofilm models using single- and dual-loaded formulations. PMPC-functionalized liposomes showed stable drug encapsulation, enhanced bacterial association and cargo delivery, and improved biofilm eradication relative to PEGylated liposomes and free drugs, including in air-exposed biofilm models.
Dr. Vered Pardo Yissar