A Multipronged Attack on Latent, Active and Resistant Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
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Authors
Johnson, Courtney
Beard, Torien
Issue Date
2020
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, also referred to as MTb, infects individuals in latent, active and resistant forms. There are recommended regimens for the delivery of established antibiotics to infected individuals. These regimens focus on the oral administration and involve relatively large doses that often result in significant side effects. This invention is a biodegradable implant composed primarily of an inert saturated fatty acid, namely stearic acid. The antibiotic is incorporated into the stearic acid matrix along with other constituents. The composition also includes a salt to regulate the release rate of the antibiotic, a metal-stearate structure to provide additional toxicity against MTb, ascorbic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids in low concentrations. As the fatty acid implant dissolves it forms a micelle that encapsulates the antibiotic. The micelle is transported to the infected area by serum and, since it is a primary energy source for the bacterium, is consumed. The antibiotic is hidden in the matrix (micelle). The biodegradable implant, which can be inserted as a single component or a as spheres of different sizes (i.e. micrometer) does not have to be removed.