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Full title

Overcoming biofilm barriers: inhalable delivery approaches for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections

Speakers

Max G. Koumou-Okandze, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)/Saarland University, Germany, PhD Student at the Department of Drug Delivery Across Biological Barriers

Jesús Campos Pacheco, Division of Food and Pharma, LTH, Lund University, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Process and Life Science Engineering (formerly PhD Student at BRCB/Malmö University)

Talk overview

Biofilm-associated lung infections (common in Cystic Fibrosis, Ventilator-associated pneumonia, etc.) are a major challenge due to reduced antibiotic susceptibility. For one of the main pathogens there, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the aminoglycoside Tobramycin remains the standard of care, although its effectiveness is limited, mainly due to its poor penetration into the biofilm. This is largely driven by the electrostatic interactions between the cationic Tobramycin and anionic biofilm components, especially extracellular DNA. To overcome this penetration barrier, we developed two inhalable dry powder formulations co-encapsulating Tobramycin and DNase I, to enzymatically cleave the extracellular DNA. Those formulations showed improved biofilm dispersal and bacterial killing, as well as the aerodynamic properties necessary for deep lung delivery. In parallel, we developed a novel in vitro method to quantify how DNase-mediated biofilm dispersal affects aminoglycoside permeation through biofilm.

This work was initiated during the international stay of Jesús Campos Pacheco at (HIPS)/Saarland University, Germany, as part of the PhD studies.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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