Tech Spotlight: Non-toxic Peptide-based Biofilm Inhibitor

Robert Hodges of the University of Colorado and collaborators have developed a non-toxic, high affinity (sub-nanomolar) peptide ligand that binds specifically to stainless steel and other non-metallic surfaces to prevent Pseudomonas biofilm formation. No compound or reagent has previously been demonstrated to have this property. Pseudamonas is the most common culprit in biofilm formation, but research is also underway to confirm that this peptide has broader anti-microbial properties, and prevents colonization by a wide variety of organisms.

This technology prevents biofilm formation, with limited amounts of material, in an environmentally-friendly and safe manner. It is non-toxic, and safe for use with implantable medical devices, catheters, and endotracheal or gastrointestinal tubes. It also has industrial applications in all areas where biofilm formation presents a problem, such as pulp and  paper plants, water treatment, and oil and gas pipelines.

To read a non-confidential summary of this technology, please click the image above. For more CU technologies available for licensing, please visit our Tech Explorer site.