Gold nanoparticle antimicrobials

To combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria, Stanford researchers have developed nanoclusters comprising a metallic core conjugated to a nucleotide. These nanoclusters (used alone or as adjuvants) kill bacterial persister cells, a subpopulation of bacterial cells that are dormant and highly tolerant of traditional antibiotics. The newly developed nanoclusters were found to be highly efficacious in eradicating persister cells and for treating infections for a broad range of bacterial species, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Stage of Development
In vivo toxicity studies: 3 times/day for 14 days intraperitoneal (IP) injection