TECHNOLOGY QUICK FACTS

Reference NumberDG096

Inventor NameMichael FederleGeorge Chlipala

CampusChicago

Publications

Contact InformationMichael Carr, Ph.D.312.996.5833 mcarr7@uic.edu

DetailsUIC researchers have identified small molecule inhibitors of intercellular communication, also known as quorum sensing, in gram positive bacteria. This has implications in bacterial virulence in human infections with these bacteria and can lead to the development of antibiotics to disrupt biofilms to more effectively treat difficult infections.

Applications Development of small molecule inhibitors of

intercellular communication in gram positive bacterial infection to disrupt biofilms and treat infections.

Benefits Experimental proof of concept exists Potential treatment of difficult biofilm forming

infections

Technology Overview

Small molecule inhibitors of peptide mediated intercellular signaling among gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes are responsible for a wide array of negative effects in infections, such as biofilm formation, virulence, and incorporating foreign DNA with potential to acquire antibacterial resistance.

Small molecules that inhibit intercellular communication of Gram-positive bacteria