Antimicrobial Resistance: Nanotherapy on the Eye Against Resistant Germs
Date: 2025-01-06
Source: Swiss Confederation
Summary:
Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) have developed a new nanotherapeutic approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. This approach involves using nanoparticles to deliver antibiotics directly to the surface of the eye, where they can effectively target resistant bacteria without affecting healthy cells.
Details:
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to global health, as bacteria become increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics. This can lead to infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, potentially resulting in severe illness or even death.
The new nanotherapeutic approach developed by the UNIGE and HUG researchers uses nanoparticles made of a biocompatible polymer called poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). These nanoparticles are loaded with an antibiotic called ciprofloxacin, which is effective against a wide range of bacteria.
The nanoparticles are then applied to the surface of the eye, where they adhere to the bacteria. The PLGA coating protects the ciprofloxacin from being degraded by the body, allowing it to remain active for an extended period.
Results:
In laboratory experiments, the researchers found that the nanotherapeutic approach was effective in killing resistant bacteria on the surface of the eye, including strains that were resistant to conventional antibiotics. The nanoparticles did not cause any significant toxicity to healthy cells.
The researchers also tested the nanotherapeutic approach in a mouse model of eye infection. They found that the nanoparticles were able to reduce the severity of the infection and improve the survival rate of the mice.
Significance:
The new nanotherapeutic approach offers a promising solution to the problem of antimicrobial resistance. By delivering antibiotics directly to the site of infection, it can effectively target resistant bacteria without affecting healthy cells. This approach could potentially be used to treat a wide range of eye infections, including those caused by resistant bacteria.
Further Research:
The researchers are currently conducting further studies to optimize the nanotherapeutic approach and evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans. They are also investigating the potential of this approach to treat other types of infections, such as those that occur in the lungs or on the skin.
Conclusion:
The development of the nanotherapeutic approach is a significant step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This approach offers the potential to effectively treat infections caused by resistant bacteria, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
Antimicrobial resistance: Nanotherapy on the eye against resistant germs
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Swiss Confederation a new article on 2025-01-06 00:00 titled “Antimicrobial resistance: Nanotherapy on the eye against resistant germs”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
103