Major breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance
Now a new antimicrobial spray has been developed that antibiotic-resistant bacteria kills and at the same time prevent infections can. The spray is doubly effective in the fight against dangerous antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
In a recent study involving experts from Chalmers University of Technology a spray with antimicrobial peptides was tested, which has improved serum stability while maintaining the high antibacterial effect of the peptides. The results are in the “International Journal of Pharmaceutics” released.
Antibiotic resistance dangerous for mankind
Antibiotic resistance can cause infections that used to be easily treatable to suddenly become difficult to treat or completely incurable. Antibiotic resistance also contributes spread of infectious diseases in hospitals and promote the spread of such diseases in society.
New antibiotics Developing it, however, poses problems for science, as most of the readily available antibacterial agents have already been discovered and used. That’s how they classify World Health Organization (WHO) has good reason to include antibiotic resistance as one of the top ten threats to global health.
However, solutions are needed to combat resistant bacteria and reduce the overall use of antibiotics. The research group’s new antibacterial spray could help here. It also kills antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can help wound care or directly on implants and others medical devices are used, reports the team.
Spray effective against MRSA hospital germ
The spray has been shown to be effective against many different types of bacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. The researchers cite as an example Methicillin-resistenter Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also known as Krankenhauskeim known and responsible for many dangerous infections.
At the same time, the spray has the potential to prevent infections, which reduces the need for antibiotics, the study author explains Martin Andersson in a press release.
How is the spray structured?
The antibacterial material of the spray consists of small hydrogel particles. These are with a kind of Peptide equipped that effectively bacteria kills and binds. The binding of the peptides to the particles creates a protective environment and increases the stability of the peptides, the researchers explain.
So the peptides are able to body fluids how blood work together. Normally, the peptides are found in such bodily fluids disabledwhich makes their use in healthcare more difficult.
According to the team, the bacteria-killing material can be used in the form of a wound spray and as a coating for medical devices or implants.
Wound spray effective for treating infections
The spray can deep wounds and other open body parts be sprayed, which are endangered by the penetration of bacteria. This makes it a flexible and effective means of treating and preventing infections.
Advantages over existing sprays and disinfectants
„The substance in this wound spray is completely non-toxic and does not attack human cells. Unlike existing bactericidal sprays, it does not inhibit the body’s healing process“, says study author Edvin Blomstrand. The substances, which are simply sprayed onto the wound, can also kill the bacteria in a shorter time, explains the doctor.
For example, if during treatments implants and Catheter have to be introduced into the body, there is a high risk of infection. One of the main causes of hospital infections is the use of urinary catheters, the researchers report.
Coating with the new bactericidal material is an effective tool to reduce this risk and avoidance of infections but.
Catheters often contaminated with bacteria
„Although the catheters are sterile when unpacked, when they are inserted into the body they can become contaminated with bacteria, which can lead to infection. A major advantage of this coating is that the bacteria are killed as soon as they come into contact with the surface‘ explains the author of the study Annie Stepulan.
Another benefit is that the coating can be applied to existing products already used in healthcare, eliminating the need to create new products, the medic adds. (as)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Edvin Bloomstrand, Anand K. Rajasekharan, Saba Atefyekta, Martin Andersson: Cross-linked lyotropic liquid crystal particles functionalized with antimicrobial peptides; in: International Journal of Pharmaceutics (veröffentlicht 05.11.2023), International Journal of Pharmaceutics
- Chalmers University of Technology: New spray fights infections and antibiotic resistance (veröffentlicht 26.01.2023), Chalmers University of Technology
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.