Bactericidal methods and compositions
Inventors
Dong, Pu-Ting • Hui, Jie • Cheng, Ji-Xin • ZHU, Yifan
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11298563-B2
Publication Date
2022-04-12
Expiration Date
2040-01-31
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Abstract
Methods of the present invention comprise photoinactivation of catalase in combination with low-concentration peroxide solutions and/or ROS generating agents to provide antibacterial effects.
Core Innovation
The invention provides methods and compositions for photoinactivation of catalase in catalase-positive microbial pathogens using visible light in the wavelength range of about 400 nm to about 430 nm, with a specific focus on about 410 nm. Photoinactivation of catalase compromises the microbial enzyme's ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide, thereby rendering these pathogens more susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating antimicrobials and immune attack.
The problem addressed is the increasing global health threat posed by antibiotic-resistant infectious pathogens, with resistance mechanisms outpacing the development of new antibiotics. There is an urgent need for novel methods to combat microbial resistance that do not rely solely on conventional antibiotics.
The invention solves this problem by demonstrating that photoinactivation of catalase, when combined with administration of low concentrations of peroxide solutions and/or ROS-generating agents, significantly enhances antimicrobial effects against catalase-positive bacteria and fungi. This method synergistically boosts the efficacy of existing treatments and immune responses, facilitating eradication of pathogens while minimizing resistance development.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes four independent claims covering methods for treating or disinfecting tissues or surfaces infected or contaminated with catalase-positive microbes by photoinactivation of catalase using specified light wavelengths combined with peroxide solutions and/or ROS-generating agents.
Treatment of infected tissue by photoinactivation of catalase and peroxide composition
A method of treating tissue infected with catalase-positive microbes by applying visible light at about 400 nm to about 430 nm to inactivate catalase, followed by contacting the tissue with a composition containing a diluted peroxide solution, thereby treating the infection.
Producing synergistic antimicrobial effect by light and peroxide solution
A method to produce a synergistic antimicrobial effect in tissue infected with catalase-positive microbes by applying visible light at about 400 nm to about 460 nm to inactivate catalase and subsequently contacting the tissue with a diluted peroxide solution.
Treatment of infected tissue by photoinactivation of catalase and ROS generating agent
A method of treating tissue infected with catalase-positive microbes by applying visible light at about 400 nm to about 430 nm to inactivate catalase, and subsequently contacting the tissue with a composition comprising a reactive oxygen species generating agent, optionally with a diluted peroxide solution.
The independent claims focus on methods to inactivate catalase in catalase-positive microbes using visible light at specific wavelengths, combined with administration of diluted peroxide solutions and/or ROS-generating agents, to treat infected tissues or produce synergistic antimicrobial effects.
Stated Advantages
Photoinactivation of catalase significantly enhances the antimicrobial effectiveness of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide and ROS-generating antibiotics against broad-spectrum catalase-positive bacteria and fungi.
Use of pulsed nanosecond laser light for photoinactivation provides greater efficacy than continuous wave LED light.
The method assists immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, to eliminate both extracellular and intracellular pathogens by compromising microbial catalase defenses.
The approach provides a novel, non-antibiotic means to combat antimicrobial resistance by reversing pathogen defenses and revitalizing conventional antibiotics and antifungals.
Documented Applications
Treatment of tissues infected with catalase-positive microbes, including human or animal skin, scalp, nails, gastrointestinal organs, and mucosal cavities.
Disinfection of inanimate surfaces contaminated with catalase-positive microbes, including materials such as metal, plastic, fabric, rubber, stone, composite surfaces, and wood.
Combination therapies using blue light photoinactivation of catalase together with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide or ROS-generating agents such as tobramycin, silver cation, iodine tincture, gold nanoparticles, methylene blue, β-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, azoles, polyene antifungals, and cell-wall targeting antifungals.
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