Description:
INV-18081
Background
Antibiotic resistance is a predicament that affects more than 2 million people worldwide each year. Through the over-prescription and extensive use of antibiotics, bacteria have generated resistance to many common antibiotic treatments. A promising approach to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria is the use of metallic nanoparticles.
Technology Overview
In this invention, an environmentally safe synthesis of tellurium nanoparticles is used. Rod-shaped tellurium nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were prepared using a facile hydrothermal reduction reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were used to characterize the size and morphology of the nanoparticles and showed a narrow size distribution. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was performed to verify the chemical composition of the nanoparticles.
These nanoparticles possess both anti-cancer and antibacterial effects without being toxic to healthy cells.
Benefits
- The nanorods show no significant cytotoxicity against healthy human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL
- Can produce highly functional nanoparticles using less extreme operating conditions than traditional synthesis methods and without producing toxic byproducts
Applications
- Antibacterial coatings for medical equipment
- Antibacterial coatings for pipes
- Antibacterial treatment for healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs)
- Cancer therapeutic applications
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research collaboration