The next generation of light-activated nanotechnology has proven it can eradicate some of the world’s most notorious and potentially deadly bacteria, so it’s “lights out” for antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Developed by the University of South Australia, pharmacyNew phototherapy could eliminate antibiotic-resistant superbugs golden stuff When Pseudomonas aeruginosa 500,000 times and 100,000 times respectively.
Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) When Pseudomonas aeruginosa One of the deadliest superbugs in the world. Globally, about 1.27 million people die due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Principal Investigator Dr Muhammed Awad of UniSA says the new phototherapy will be a game changer for millions of people around the world.
“Both Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are highly contagious bacteria and are commonly found on human skin. But when they enter the bloodstream, they can lead to sepsis and even death,” says Dr. Awad. .
“Hospital patients, especially those with wounds or catheters, or on ventilators, are at increased risk of contracting these bacteria and may benefit from antibiotics, but the use of antibiotics may help. Widespread use leads to waves of microbial resistance that are often ineffective.
“Our photodynamic technology works differently, harnessing the energy of light to create highly reactive oxygen molecules that eradicate microbial cells and kill deadly bacteria without harming human cells. .”
Researchers tested antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against refractory bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. golden stuff When Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
UniSA’s Professor Clive Prestidge, a senior researcher, says the technology has several key advantages over conventional antibiotics and other light therapies.
“The new treatment is made of oil that you apply to the wound as a lotion. When you shine the lotion with laser light, it creates reactive oxygen species that act as an alternative to traditional antibiotics,” says Professor Prestige.
“Current photoactive compounds are poorly soluble in water, limiting clinical applications.
“In our approach, we use food-grade lipids to construct nanocarriers for photoactive compounds, greatly enhancing their solubility and antimicrobial efficacy over unformulated compounds.
“These molecules target multiple bacterial cells at once, preventing the bacteria from adapting and becoming resistant. Therefore, it is a much more effective and robust treatment.
“Importantly, the viability of human skin cells involved in the wound healing process was improved, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria were completely eradicated.”
The consequences of not managing superbugs are high. Already, antibiotic-resistant microbes cost millions of lives and trillions of dollars to the global economy each year.
“This technology is very promising and has attracted the attention of scientists all over the world,” says Professor Prestidge.
“The next step is to initiate clinical trials to further develop this technology and make it available in clinics. With the support of our funding bodies, we will ensure that Australians have access to this technology as soon as possible.” I hope that.”
Original: ‘Lights Out’ of Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs
Than: University of South Australia
