Compositions for treating biofilm

Abstract

A two component composition comprises an anchor enzyme complex to degrade biofilm structures and a second anchor enzyme component having the capability to act directly upon the bacteria for a bactericidal effect.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 587,818 filed Jun. 6, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 249,674 filed Feb. 12, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 951,393 filed Oct. 16, 1997 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,714 on Feb. 16, 1999), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Standard chemical analyses, traditional microscopic methods as well as digital imaging techniques such as confocal scanning laser microscopy, have transformed the structural and functional understanding of biofilms. Investigators, with these techniques have a clearer understanding of biofilm-associated microorganism cell morphology and cellular functions. The heightened awareness of metabolic biochemistry and the events associated with them have led to a better understanding, not only of individual cells and the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance. In the case of antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance, biofilms provide the unique opportunity for bacteria to reside in close proximity with one another for long periods of time. This prolonged juxtaposition of bacteria allows gene transfer between and among bacteria, allowing the genes of resistance to be transferred to same or different strains of bacteria to neighboring cells that are not resistant. Consequently, a virulent cell can transfer its virulence genes to a non-virulent cell, making it resistant to antibiotics.

[0022] With any of the possible mechanistic explanations for either resistance or recalcitrance, removal or disruption of the biofilm is a mandatory requirement. Stripping away of the biofilm components e.g., the polysaccharide backbone with the accumulated debris accomplishes several objectives: 1) reduced opportunity for gene transfer; 2) increased penetration of chemical and physical agents; and 3) increased free-flow of nutrients which would elevate the metabolic activity of the cells and make them more susceptible to chemical and physical agents. Furthermore, removal or disruption of the biofilm will free cells from a sessile state to make them planktonic which also increases their susceptibility to chemical and physical agents.

Problems solved by technology

Unless the biofilm is removed or disrupted, complete cellular kill within the biofilm structure is not achieved by chemical or physical agents.

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