Functionalized Paramagnetic Particles

Case ID: 2016-071

Web Published: 2/9/2018

Invention Description Biofilms are attached communities of microorganisms that are inherently resistant to antibiotics and killing from the human immune system. These communities are often associated with indwelling medical devices such as catheters, endotracheal tubes, surgical sutures, hip and knee joint prostheses and dental implants.

However, biofilms also colonize heart valves (endocarditis), bone (osteomyelitis), tooth surfaces (dental caries), gums (periodontal disease), burn patients and the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. In all cases, these infections dramatically increase morbidity and mortality costing an estimated $20 billion dollars annually. The CDC estimates that of all nosocomial infections, >70% are caused by biofilms.

In conjunction with the diagnosis of, and vaccination against MRSA biofilm infections, a joint research project between investigators at NAU and the University of Maryland - Baltimore has produced an in vivo detection method for MRSA biofilm infections. These infections are often associated with endocarditis or osteomyelitis, and can be localized at or near medical device implants, such as catheters, heart valves, or stents. The inventors have successfully detected S. aureus biofilms on infected tibial pins whereas implanted sterile pins showed no sign of biofilm development.

Specific visualization of the site of biofilm infection will give surgeons the exact site of infection leading to removal of less healthy tissue and more biofilm infection. Specific targeting of the biofilm would also allow for specific delivery of a well-defined quantity of chemotherapeutic agents that may then be effective against the biofilm-mode of growth.