Light Activated Nanoparticles for Biofilms
Project Title: Light-activated nanoparticle-based approaches for effective elimination of biofilms
Goal:
This research focuses on developing light-activated metallic nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the effectiveness of NPs against bacterial infections and prevent biofilm formation.
Approach:
We have shown that by functionalizing the surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a photosensitizer (PS), the antimicrobial outcome can be dramatically increased. Based on these promising results, we hypothesize that the development of light-activated metallic NPs will not only result in enhancing their antimicrobial properties but also will improve their effectiveness to eradicate biofilms. In this project, this novel light-activation approach will be expanded to gold (Au) and copper (Cu). This project is anticipated to provide support for nanoparticle-based treatment of extracellular biofilm-associated bacteria.
Collaborators:
