Anti-bacterial applications of poly-N-acetylglucosamine nanofibers
Inventors
Vournakis, John N. • Finkielsztein, Sergio
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10561677-B2
Publication Date
2020-02-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Described herein are compositions comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine and/or a derivative thereof (“sNAG nanofibers”) and anti-bacterial applications of such compositions. The sNAG nanofibers may be formulated into compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections and diseases associated with such infections. Regimens employing such compositions are also described.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods for treating bacterial infections of the skin at hair follicles and for treating folliculitis by topically administering a composition comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (sNAG nanofibers). The compositions are defined by sNAG nanofiber length and monosaccharide content, including sNAG nanofibers from 1 μm to less than 10 μm in length, or with more than 50% of the sNAG nanofibers between about 1 to 15 μm in length. The sNAG nanofibers comprise 70% or more than 70% of N-acetylglucosamine monosaccharides.
A core aspect of the compositions is that the sNAG nanofibers do not have an effect on bacterial growth or survival of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cultures in vitro. The disclosure describes Akt1-dependent upregulation of defensins and related cytokine/TLR pathway components, and the promotion of wound healing and bacterial clearance in mouse wound models. It also describes reduced bacterial burden and faster wound closure, together with topical administration and biocompatibility/non-reactivity.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Both require topical administration of sNAG nanofibers with specific nanofiber length and N-acetylglucosamine monosaccharide composition constraints, and both require that the sNAG nanofibers do not affect Staphylococcus aureus bacterial growth or survival in vitro.
Topically treating a bacterial infection of the skin at hair follicles with sNAG nanofibers defined by length and monosaccharide content
A method for treating a bacterial infection of the skin at the hair follicles of a subject by topically administering a composition comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (sNAG nanofibers) having a length condition of from 1 μm to less than 10 μm, or more than 50% between about 1 to 15 μm, wherein the sNAG nanofibers comprise 70% or more than 70% of N-acetylglucosamine monosaccharides, and wherein the sNAG nanofibers do not have an effect on bacterial growth or survival of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cultures in vitro.
Topically treating folliculitis with sNAG nanofibers defined by length and monosaccharide content without in vitro S. aureus growth effects
A method for treating folliculitis of a subject by topically administering a composition comprising shortened fibers of poly-N-acetylglucosamine (sNAG nanofibers) having a length condition of from 1 μm to less than 10 μm, or more than 50% between about 1 to 15 μm, wherein the sNAG nanofibers comprise 70% or more than 70% of N-acetylglucosamine monosaccharides, and wherein the sNAG nanofibers do not have an effect on bacterial growth or survival of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cultures in vitro.
Across the two independent claims, the claim coverage is centered on topical treatment of hair-follicle bacterial infection and folliculitis using shortened poly-N-acetylglucosamine nanofibers with defined fiber-length and monosaccharide-content thresholds, while requiring no effect on in vitro Staphylococcus aureus bacterial growth or survival.
Stated Advantages
Not having an effect on bacterial growth or survival of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cultures in vitro.
Increased wound healing and bacterial clearance in mouse wound models.
Reduced bacterial burden and faster wound closure.
Akt1-dependent upregulation of defensins (α- and β-defensins) and related cytokine/TLR pathway components.
Low toxicity/irritation and weak allergenic potential.
Documented Applications
Treating a bacterial infection of the skin at the hair follicles.
Treating folliculitis.
Topical anti-bacterial/anti-infection uses described in connection with infections including MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Clostridium difficile, and diseases associated with bacterial imbalance [application details omitted for safety].
Mouse wound models showing increased wound healing and bacterial clearance with reduced bacterial burden and faster wound closure [procedural detail omitted for safety].
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