Nanoparticle agent to eradicate drug resistant bacteria in the growth arrest phase

Stanford researchers have developed a method to eliminate antibiotic resistant gram-negative bacteria in the growth arrest phase. The increase in relapsing bacterial infections and the rise of drug resistant bacteria are significant global health problems. Stanford researchers in the Santa Maria Lab have developed a gold nanocluster (AuNC) functionalized with adenosine triphosphate (AuNC@ATP) that kills drug-resistant (XDR) strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in vitro. This nanoparticle eradicates bacteria in the growth arrest phase by disrupting cytoplasmic Mg2+ homeostasis through augmentation of Mg2+-chelating ATP at a non-physiological cytoplasmic concentration. The AuNC is also expected to inhibit FtsH proteolysis activity. Initial gastrointestinal safety studies of AuNCs coated with either hydroxyl (AuNC@PEG-OH)- or amine (AuNC@PEG-NH2)-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) indicate the gold nanocluster is non-toxic. Stanford research of this promising antimicrobial nanoparticle is ongoing.

Stage of Development – Pre-Clinical
Researchers continue to develop strategies to prevent relapse in chronic bacterial infections and evaluate the potential for antibiotic resistance development. Safety and in vivo efficacy studies are ongoing.