Combination Antimicrobial Nanocomposite Materials for Neutralization of Biological Threat Agents (PREPRINT); Conference paper

摘要

Through natural selection, microorganisms acquire resistance to conventional antibiotics. Coupled with advances in genomics and genetic engineering, the evolution of highly virulent, multidrug-resistant pathogens provides a resource that could be misused for the design of future biological warfare agents. We are exploring approaches that integrate molecules of the innate immune system and nanoscale inorganic materials in order to create novel antimicrobial composites and self-sterilizing coatings. In vitro biomineralization reactions allow antimicrobial proteins to be incorporated and stabilized within inorganic materials, such as amorphous silica, titania and colloidal silver. The approach yields materials that combine the biocidal properties of different antimicrobial mechanisms. The development of new antimicrobial therapies is an important countermeasure to emerging multidrug- resistant pathogens.