PolySciTech thermogel investigated as part of system for thermally killing drug-resistant bacteria

PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc (www.polyscitech.com) provides a wide array of research polymers including thermogels. Recently researchers at the University of Toronto have combined PolyVivo AO031 Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam), a biocompatible thermogel, with gold-nanorods to create a thermogelling system that allows for very precise application of heat by a hand-held laser device which kills both gram positive and negative bacteria. This research holds promise for treating infected wounds to kill bacteria without damaging the underlying tissue. Read more:  Mohamed, Mohamed A. Abdou, Vahid Raeesi, Patricia V. Turner, Anu Rebbapragada, Kate Banks, and Warren CW Chan. "A versatile plasmonic thermogel for disinfection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria." Biomaterials (2016). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961216301144

“Abstract: The increasing occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria is a global problem that requires the development of alternative techniques to eradicate these superbugs. Herein, we used a combination of thermosensitive biocompatible polymer and gold nanorods to specifically deliver, preserve and confine heat to the area of interest. Our data demonstrates that this technique can be used to kill both Gram positive and Gram negative antimicrobial resistant bacteria in vitro. Our approach significantly reduces the antimicrobial resistant bacteria load in experimentally infected wounds by 98% without harming the surrounding tissues. More importantly, this polymer-nanocomposite can be prepared easily and applied to the wounds, can generate heat using a hand-held laser device, is safe for the operator, and does not have any adverse effects on the wound tissue and healing process. Keywords: Photothermal; gold nanorods; Thermogel; wound infections; Antibiotic resistant bacteria”