Compositions for inactivating pathogenic microorganisms, methods of making the compositions, and methods of use thereof

Abstract

Nanoemulsion compositions with low toxicity that demonstrate broad spectrum inactivation of microorganisms or prevention of diseases are described. The nanoemulsions contain an aqueous phase, an oil phase comprising an oil and an organic solvent, and one or more surfactants. Methods of making nanoemulsions and inactivating pathogenic microorganisms are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 067,626, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 860,582, which claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. application Ser. No. 60 / 475,633, filed Jun. 4, 2003, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for decreasing the infectivity, morbidity, and / or rate of mortality associated with a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores are responsible for a plethora of human and animal ailments. In addition to vegetatively growing bacteria, bacteria of the Bacillus genus and others form stable spores that resist harsh conditions and extreme temperatures. For example, contamination of farmlands with B. anthracis can lead t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for anti-pathogenic compositions and methods that decrease the infectivity, morbidity, and / or mortality associated with pathogenic exposure while minimizing microbial resistance, toxicity to the recipient, and deleterious effects to equipment and the environment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of reducing the average nanoemulsion particle size of a composition comprising a nanoemulsion, comprising treating a nanoemulsion comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase comprising an oil and an organic solvent, and a surfactant, and having nanoemulsion particles of an average diameter of greater than or equal to about 250 nm, so as to reduce the average diameter of the nanoemulsion particles to less than 150 nm.

Problems solved by technology

For example, contamination of farmlands with B. anthracis can lead to a fatal disease in domestic, agricultural, and wild animals, as well as in humans in contact with infected animals or animal products.

However, animal anthrax infection still represents a significant problem due to the difficulty of decontaminating land and farms.

While an anthrax vaccine is available and can be used for the prevention of classic anthrax, genetic mixing of different bacterial strains can render it ineffective.

A person infected with an antibiotic resistant strain of bacteria faces serious and potentially life-threatening consequences because antibiotics cannot eliminate the infection.

Pneumococci, which cause pneumonia and meningitis, Salmonella and E. coli which cause diarrhea, and enterococci which cause blood stream, surgical wound, and urinary tract infections can all develop antibiotic resistance resulting in fatal infections.

Moreover, antibiotics are not effective in eliminating or inactivating bacterial spores and viruses.

Disinfectants and biocides, such as sodium hypochlorite, formaldehyde and phenols can be effective against bacterial spores, but are not well suited for decontamination of the environment, equipment, or casualties.

The toxicity of these compounds can result in tissue necrosis and severe pulmonary injury following contact or inhalation of volatile fumes.

Furthermore, the corrosive nature of commonly used disinfectants and biocides renders them unsuitable for decontamination of sensitive equipment.

Viruses are additional pathogens that infect human and animals which currently lack effective means of inactivation.

Current anti-viral compounds and neuraminidase inhibitors are minimally effective and viral resistance is common.

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