Conjugated oligoelectrolytes: modular antimicrobial compounds for targeted membrane disruption
A class of modular antimicrobial compounds that disrupt microbial membranes with tunable specificity. The technology enables rational design of derivatives targeting Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria or fungi, while minimizing off-target effects on mammalian cells.
Overview
Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes (COEs) are a modular class of compounds developed to interact with and modify biological membranes. The core innovation lies in their tunable molecular structure, which allows researchers to tailor antimicrobial specificity toward Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, or to minimize off-target effects on mammalian cells. Early work has demonstrated antibacterial activity, with current research expanding into antifungal applications. The modular design principle enables rapid derivative synthesis and screening, making COEs a versatile platform for addressing antimicrobial resistance and fungal infections.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Modular molecular scaffold enabling rational design of derivatives
- Tunable specificity for Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, or fungal targets
- Selectivity optimization to reduce off-target effects on mammalian cells
- Demonstrated antibacterial activity with structure-dependent efficacy
- Emerging antifungal activity observed depending on molecular structure
- Membrane-targeting mechanism distinct from conventional antibiotics
Technology readiness level
The COE platform has been developed and characterized for antibacterial applications, with ongoing research to validate antifungal activity. The team is actively investigating fungal targets as the next frontier, building on the established modular design framework to engineer derivatives with enhanced specificity and safety profiles.
About National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is a comprehensive public research university and the country’s flagship, known for a global, collaborative culture. Industry partners access co‑located corporate labs, shared core facilities, and an integrated academic health system that supports clinical translation at scale. Campuses border the one‑north and Singapore Science Park innovation districts, linking companies to deep‑tech startups, government research institutes, and multinational R&D hubs. Research is powered by competitive national funding from the National Research Foundation Singapore, A*STAR, and the Ministry of Education, alongside international consortia and industry‑sponsored programs. A dedicated technology transfer office and enterprise programs handle IP, licensing, and venture creation, offering streamlined engagement models, pilots, and access to talent.
delivered to your inbox.