Antibacterial Polypeptide with Broad-Spectrum Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Activity

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a polypeptide that kills pathogenic bacteria.

Full Description

Overuse of antibiotic treatments for bacterial infections can lead to bacterial resistance, making the antibiotics less effective. Antibiotics can also be harmful to the beneficial bacteria that assist in keeping their host healthy. There is a need for broad-spectrum antibiotics that have activity against harmful bacteria but not against beneficial organisms.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have identified a single polypeptide that kills pathogenic bacteria. This peptide has been successfully spot tested using conventional minimum inhibitory concentration assays to be effective against several pathogenic bacteria including E. coli, K. pneumonia, and P. aeruginosa. The peptide may be used as a safe and effective antimicrobial agent in various applications towards preventing infections, blocking undesirable inoculations, and preventing the growth of undesirable bacteria in foods, beverages, consumer products, cosmetics, and health care products.

Applications

• Antimicrobial activity against human and animal gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria
• Protects built environments from undesirable infection, inoculation and growth

Features/Benefits

• Effective against pathogens such as (but not limited to): E. coli (EHEC), K. pneunomiae, P. aeruginosa, S. enteritidis, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus (MRSA), and E. faecalis
• Acts faster than conventional antibiotics to kill pathogenic bacteria
• Allows a lower frequency in generation of resistant mutants

Patent Status

Patent Pending