Title:

Adhesin-Specific Nanoparticles And Process For Using Same

Case # 237
Inventors: Fred Stutzenbenger, Robert Latour, Ya-Ping Sun, Tzuen-Rong Tzeng
Summary: The present invention is generally directed to compositions useful in preventing and/or treating disease due to infection by any of a variety of biologically active pathogenic microorganisms. The compositions include nanoparticles formed of a hydrophobic polymeric core, hydrophilic linking agents bound to the core, and biofunctional materials bound to the linking agents. The biofunctional materials are functionally identical to receptors on host cell surfaces that can be recognized and bound by adhesions on the surface of the targeted pathogenic adhesion-bearing microorganisms. In one embodiment, the binding action between the nanoparticles and the microorganisms can lead to the formation of large agglomerated complexes, which can then be easily removed from an area, including the digestive tract of an infected individual. The compositions of the present invention can also be utilized in preventing enteric infections via the ability to purge animals of enteropathogens prior to transport and processing for human consumption.
Applications: Nanoparticles could be used as a low cost, specific purging agent for the removal of Campylobacter jejuni (the most common poultry-associated human pathogen) from chickens and turkeys prior to processing for market. Nanoparticles could be used as therapeutic agents to cure or reduce chronic bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections in the human digestive tract. The application of nanoparticles as anti-bio-warfare agents has great potential as surface decontaminates. Nanoparticles could be clinically employed as a diagnostic tool for the identification of pathogenic microorganisms having specific adhesins (i.e. agglutination test).
Patent Status: Patent application has been filed. Detailed information must be provided under a confidential disclosure agreement. Please download the confidential disclosure form and mail the completed form to:

Vincie Albritton, Associate Director
Clemson Research Park
Office of Technology Transfer
91 Technology Drive
A.M.R.L. Building, Room # 220
Anderson, SC 29625
PH:  864-656-5708
FAX: 864-656-0474
Email:  valbrit@clemson.edu

Licensing: The technology is available for non-exclusive or exclusive field of use licensing.
Contact:

For more information about this technology, please contact:

Vincie Albritton, Associate Director
Phone: (864) 656-5708
Fax: (864) 656-0474
email: valbrit@clemson.edu

or 

Janet Dillon, Project Administrator
Phone: (864) 656-4237
Fax: (864) 656-0474
email: gjanet@clemson.edu

Note: Don't forget to include the technology number in your emails!