Biofilm extracellular polysachharide solvating system

Abstract

The invention provides a solvating system for the removal of biofilms which solvates the extracellular polysaccharide matrix holding it to a surface. The aqueous solvating system comprises water, a metal ion sequestering agent, and a solvating agent for an extracellular polysaccharide matrix, which is gentle enough to be used directly on human tissues, but which may also be used on hard or soft non-tissue surfaces to breakdown, and / or remove biofilms.

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of biofilm removal and more specifically to a solvating system for the solvation and removal of biofilms. The solvating system may be used on a variety of affected surfaces, including human or animal tissue, medical devices, water systems, and the like. The solvating system is especially beneficial for use on human tissue to remove biofilms which cause chronic conditions such as rhinosinusitis. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Biofilms are formed by bacteria in aqueous environments, which interact with the surfaces to which they are exposed to form surface colonies and films which continue to adhere to the surfaces and grow. More specifically, the bacteria produce extensive exopolysaccharide or extracellularpolysaccharide polymers (EPS or ECPS) that keep them attached to the surfaces and form living films thereon, frequently called “biofilms”. These biofilms can be formed on a variety of surface...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0036] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the chemical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, pharmacological and computer arts will readily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Problems solved by technology

Biofilms are much more difficult to remove than bacteria in the plaktonic state, and the bacterial contamination of the biofilms from surfaces or tissue are thus much more difficult to eliminate.

When present on human tissues, biofilms can cause chronic conditions from which many persons today suffer.

Additionally, enclosure of implants or surgical appliances with biofilms may lessen their effectiveness.

Products for such cleansing, such as biocides, disinfectants and the like for use in such areas may be caustic and employ agents that can damage human skin, and especially non-dermal human tissues upon contact and therefore cannot be used to remove biofilms from human orifices and tissues.

Methods of cleaning and disinfecting such surfaces effectively for biofilms may also involve large dosages, and long periods of contact with the surface, e.g., soaking biofilm contaminated surfaces for 12-24 hours, which is impractical for preoperative and postoperative situations and for many surfaces and devices as well as being impossible for use on or with most contaminated human tissues.

Such methods damage the tissues and require healing periods, and further present opportunities for new bacteria to contact the surfaces and cause infections and new placement of biofilms.

Antibiotics have also been attempted but, while they are effective against plaktonic bacteria, they have been only marginally effective against biofilms, and then only when administered in large dosages, which may be otherwise undesirable for the patient or living tissues.