Pseudomonas aeruginosa is among antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens for which new drugs are needed. It causes a large variety of infections including pneumonia, especially in cystic fibrosis sufferers, and keratitis in contact lens wearers. We discovered that the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) Esc(1-21) rapidly kills this pathogen limiting the induction of resistance. Furthermore, two selective L-to D-amino acid substitutions were found to make this peptide less cytotoxic, more stable and with a better in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of Pseudomonas-induced pneumonia or keratitis. One of the drawbacks in developing AMPs as new therapeutics is their inefficient delivery to the target site. We discovered that polymeric nanoparticles made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid represent a promising tool for pulmonary delivery of peptides and their controlled release. We also found out that immobilization of these peptides to soft contact lenses is an effective strategy to achieve an antimicrobial medical device to prevent bacterial adhesion. Finally, we showed how conjugation of Esc(1-21) to gold-nanoparticles significantly increases its microbicidal activity without harmful effects to mammalian cells.
12 aprile
The seminar will be held by Prof.ssa Maria Luisa Mangoni of the Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, in room C (building CU010) at 12:00.