Plasmon-enhanced hybrid photosensitizers for topical antibacterial applications
Patented hybrid photosensitizers combining metal nanoparticles with photosensitizing molecules for enhanced light-activated killing of bacteria including drug-resistant MRSA. Designed for topical formulations targeting antibiotic-resistant infections and biofilms, activated by 400-450nm light without laser equipment.
Overview
This solution offers patented, plasmon-enhanced hybrid photosensitizers developed for commercial topical antibacterial products. The technology combines metal nanoparticles with photosensitizing molecules to create a synergistic antimicrobial platform that effectively inactivates both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant MRSA. Unlike conventional photodynamic therapies, the system is activated by simple 400-450nm light sources, eliminating the need for specialized laser equipment. The technology addresses the growing challenge of antibiotic-resistant infections and biofilm-associated topical conditions, offering a non-antibiotic approach to bacterial control.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Hybrid architecture combining metal nanoparticles with photosensitizing molecules for plasmon-enhanced singlet oxygen generation
- Effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant MRSA strains
- Validated efficacy across four model bacterial strains
- Activated by readily available 400-450nm light sources, no laser required
- Backed by issued US patents and peer-reviewed publications demonstrating enhanced photoinactivation
- Synergistic mechanism leveraging metal nanoparticle enhancement of photosensitizer efficiency
Development targets:
- Formulation optimization for topical delivery
- Efficacy validation against bacterial biofilms associated with topical infections
- Biocompatibility assessment of final formulations
Technology readiness level
The core technology has been validated through published research and US patents, with demonstrated efficacy against multiple bacterial strains. Current development focuses on translating laboratory results into optimized topical formulations with confirmed biocompatibility. The next phase involves creating, optimizing, and identifying commercial formulations with high photoinactivation efficacy against bacteria and biofilms, positioning the technology for partnership in formulation development and commercialization.
About University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a comprehensive public research university with an applied, urban-serving character and a significant clinical enterprise. Industry engages through one of the nation's largest cooperative education programs, placing students year-round with corporate R&D and operations teams and creating an on-ramp to sponsored research. An innovation district near campus hosts co-located corporate labs, startup space, and shared prototyping facilities, while the university's integration with a major hospital system enables clinical studies and translation. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH and NSF, along with state and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, corporate agreements, and startup formation, providing flexible models for collaboration.
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