Overview
Antibiotic-resistance poses a serious public health problem. We have developed a hydrogel (hydrated polymer network) that is sensitive to β-lactamases, a class of enzymes released by a variety of harmful bacteria. In the presence of β-lactamases, the hydrogel degrades, releasing the therapeutic agent it contains.
Market Opportunity
The emergence and rapid spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has caused serious public health and environmental issues worldwide. The growing use of β‐lactam antibiotics in particular, has led to the rapid development of β‐lactam resistance. β‐lactamases (βLs), a class of enzymes released by a variety of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems, are the most common cause of resistance to these antibiotics. When βLs hydrolyze the β‐lactam ring, the antibiotic is deactivated.
Innovation and Meaningful Advantages
To limit unnecessary exposure to antibiotics, reduce associated toxicities, and potentially reduce bacterial antibiotic resistance, we have developed hydrogels that degrade in the presence of βLs, releasing antibiotic agents. These hydrogels can be used to develop biomaterials with on‐demand, bacteria-triggered release of antibiotics and/or for detection of βLs. Because the hydrogels detect the presence of bacteria, they release encapsulated antibacterial agents from prophylactic biomaterials, such as bandages, only in the presence of an infection, limiting unnecessary exposure to antibiotics. This controlled, on‐demand release has advantages over materials that are not loaded with antibacterial agents or that release loaded agents in an uncontrolled manner, contributing to unnecessary toxicity and to antibiotic resistance.
Collaboration Opportunity
We are interested in exploring 1) startup opportunities with investors in the drug delivery space; 2) research collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies; and 3) licensing opportunities for drug delivery companies.
Principal Investigator
Anita Shukla, PhD
Associate Professor of Engineering
Brown University
anita_shukla@brown.edu
https://vivo.brown.edu/display/ashukla
IP Information
US Utility Filed, Priority Date October 28, 2019
Publications
Alkekhia D, LaRose C, Shukla A. β-Lactamase-Responsive Hydrogel Drug Delivery Platform for Bacteria-Triggered Cargo Release. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2022 June 8;14(24):27538–27550. doi.org/10.1021/acsami.2c02614
Contact
Melissa Simon, PhD
Director of Business Development, Life Sciences
melissa_j_simon@brown.edu
Brown Tech ID 3032