Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026

14:42
Remote Magnetic Actuation of Micrometric Probes for in situ 3D Mapping of Bacterial Biofilm Physical Properties
Published on: May 2, 2014
9.6K
Sugar-powered nanoantimicrobials for combating bacterial biofilms
Min Li1, En-Tang Kang1, Kim Lee Chua2
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 117585. chenkg@nus.edu.sg.
Biomaterials Science
|May 18, 2019
Summary
Sugar-modified nanocarriers effectively prevent and eradicate bacterial biofilms, showing promise against chronic infections. These novel drug delivery systems are non-toxic to mammalian cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Antimicrobial Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bacterial biofilms are a major cause of persistent infections due to their resistance to antibiotics.
- Developing novel strategies to combat biofilm infections is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sugar-modified cyclodextrin nanocarriers loaded with antibacterial agents against bacterial biofilms.
- To compare the performance of d-glucose (CD-GLU) and d-mannose (CD-MAN) modified nanocarriers.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of cyclodextrin nanocarriers (CD-GLU and CD-MAN) loaded with a quorum sensing inhibitor (DMABI) and antibiotics (erythromycin, rifampicin).
- Testing nanocarrier efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
- Assessing inhibition of biofilm development and dispersion of pre-formed biofilms.
Main Results:
- DMABI-loaded CD-GLU significantly inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm development compared to free DMABI or unmodified CD.
- Antibiotics in CD-GLU and CD-MAN effectively dispersed pre-formed Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
- Efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms was slightly lower, attributed to differential carrier penetration.
Conclusions:
- Sugar-modified cyclodextrin nanocarriers demonstrate potent antibacterial biofilm activity.
- These nanocarriers offer a promising, non-cytotoxic approach for treating chronic biofilm infections.
- Carrier penetration into biofilms influences efficacy against different bacterial species.
Related Concept Videos
Phloem and Sugar Transport
39.8K
Like many living organisms, plants have tissues that specialize in specific plant functions. For example, shoots are well adapted to rapid growth, while roots are structured to acquire resources efficiently. However, sugar production is primarily restricted to the photosynthetic cells that reside in the leaves of angiosperm plants. Sugar and other resources are transported from photosynthetic tissues to other specialized tissues by a process called translocation.
39.8K
Bacterial Signaling
40.3K
Bacterial signaling can occur within bacteria (intracellular) or between bacteria (intercellular). At times, a group of bacteria behaves like a community. To achieve this, they engage in quorum sensing, the perception of higher cell density that causes changes in gene expression. Quorum sensing involves both extracellular and intracellular signaling. The signaling cascade starts with a molecule called an autoinducer (AI). Individual bacteria produce AIs that move out of the bacterial cell...
40.3K
Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
9.8K
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
9.8K
Biofilms
1.3K
Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix attached to surfaces. These microbial consortia can include single or multiple species, providing enhanced survival benefits by forming organized, multilayered structures.The formation of biofilms occurs through four key stages: attachment, colonization, development, and dispersal.During attachment, free-swimming planktonic cells adhere to a surface, often facilitated by...
1.3K
Power
12.9K
The concept of work involves force and displacement; meanwhile, the work-energy theorem relates the net work done on a body to the difference in its kinetic energy, calculated between two points on its trajectory. While none of these quantities or relations involves time explicitly, we know that the time available to accomplish work is often just as important as the amount of work itself. For example, sprinters in a race may have achieved the same velocity at the finish, therefore,...
12.9K
Power System Distribution
1.1K
Power system distribution involves delivering electrical energy from power plants to consumers through a network of transmission and distribution systems. The process begins at power plants, where energy from coal, gas, nuclear, water, and wind is converted into electrical energy. These plants use three-phase generators, typically rated between 50 to 1300 MVA, with terminal voltages ranging from a few kV to 20 kV, depending on the size and age of the units.
The transmission system is designed...
The transmission system is designed...
1.1K

