Bactericidal methods and compositions
Inventors
Dong, Pu-Ting • Hui, Jie • Cheng, Ji-Xin • ZHU, Yifan
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11633622-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-25
Expiration Date
2040-01-31
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
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 microbes using blue light with a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 430 nm, specifically around 410 nm. This photoinactivation renders broad-spectrum catalase-positive microbial pathogens highly susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating antimicrobials and immune cell attack. The process is combined with administering low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions and/or ROS generating agents to enhance antibacterial and antifungal effects.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from the global health threat of antibiotic resistance, which kills approximately 700,000 people annually and is predicted to escalate significantly by 2050. The rapid pace of resistance acquisition in pathogens surpasses the clinical introduction of new antibiotics, creating an urgent need for unconventional antimicrobial strategies. The invention seeks to overcome microbial resistance by targeting catalase, a key enzyme that protects pathogens from oxidative damage by scavenging hydrogen peroxide, thereby enhancing the efficacy of ROS-based antimicrobial treatments.
Claims Coverage
The claims include a set of independent claims focusing on a device configured to emit pulsed light for catalase photoinactivation with specific wavelength and energy dose parameters, along with optional components for delivering reactive oxygen species generating agents.
Device emitting pulsed light to inactivate catalase in microbes
A device comprising a light-emitting component that emits pulsed light at a wavelength of 405 nm to about 430 nm with an energy dose from about 5 J/cm2 to about 200 J/cm2, capable of inactivating catalase in catalase-containing microbes, and comprising a light source or optical waveguide.
Use of pulsed nanosecond laser for catalase photoinactivation
A device where the light source is specifically a pulsed nanosecond laser optimized for efficient catalase photoinactivation at wavelengths around 410 nm with controlled dosage.
Integration of a reservoir for delivery of ROS generating agents
A device further comprising a reservoir to contain a reactive oxygen species generating agent to be delivered to catalase-containing microbes, enhancing the microbicidal effect.
Use of optical waveguides to deliver pulsed light
The device includes optical waveguides such as optical fibers or implants to direct pulsed light efficiently to the site containing catalase-positive microbes.
The independent claims cover devices that emit pulsed blue light at specific wavelengths and doses to inactivate catalase in microbes, optionally combined with delivery systems for ROS agents and light delivery means via optical waveguides, specifically highlighting the use of pulsed nanosecond lasers for improved antimicrobial efficacy.
Stated Advantages
Photoinactivation of catalase significantly boosts the efficacy of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide and ROS-generating antibiotics against broad-spectrum bacteria and fungi.
Using pulsed nanosecond laser light rather than continuous wave LED improves catalase inactivation efficiency and reduces thermal damage risks during treatment.
The method assists immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, in eliminating intracellular and extracellular catalase-positive pathogens.
The combination therapy demonstrates synergy resulting in enhanced killing and possible eradication of resistant microbial strains.
Documented Applications
Treatment of tissues infected with catalase-positive microbes, including fungal and bacterial infections of skin, scalp, nails, and potentially internal tissues and cavities.
Disinfection of inanimate surfaces contaminated with catalase-positive microbes, including materials such as metal, plastic, fabric, rubber, stone, composite surfaces, and wood.
Combination therapy with low-concentration hydrogen peroxide or ROS-generating antibiotics to produce synergistic antimicrobial effects against drug-resistant bacterial strains such as MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, and fungal pathogens including Candida albicans and Candida auris.
Use in enhancing the microbicidal function of immune cells by increasing susceptibility of intracellular pathogens through catalase photoinactivation.
Interested in licensing this patent?