Novel Nanomaterial for Prolonged and Sustained Antibacterial Efficacy

a) BAC release profile at pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.5, and 7.4. b) The percentage of S. aureus survival upon exposure to BAC loaded nanoparticles after 0, 3, and 6 hours.


Invention Summary:

Quaternary ammonium cationic (QAC) surfactants are one of the preferred choices for antibacterial applications. The compounds are water and oil soluble, and they cover a broad spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy including gram-positive and gram-negative contaminations. In applications such as bandages and surgical dressings, extended release of active compounds would be beneficial and desirable.

Researchers at Rutgers University developed a novel biocompatible mesoporous silica nanoparticle delivery system for prolonged antimicrobial effects of a QAC compound, benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The nanoparticle system is safe for skin application and its pH triggered release of BAC enables reduced bodily tissue exposure to the drug compound. Additionally, the delivery system protects QAC compounds from the deactivating presence of various anionic molecules.


Market Applications:

  • Drug discovery and development
  • Personal care/cosmetics
  • Food industry
  • Antibacterial products 

Advantages:

  • Extended and sustained release 
  • Triggered release
  • FDA approved materials
  • Reduces leaching of antibacterial compounds
  • High payload of drug

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.

Academic Publication:

Dubovoy, V. et al. One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Benzalkonium-Templated Mesostructured Silica Antibacterial Agents. Journal of the American Chemical Society 140 (42), 13534-13537, (2018) DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b04843
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.8b04843

Patent Information: