4547
Naturally occurring compounds for Fighting Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Steinberg Doron, HUJI, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Dental Sciences
Background
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Bacteria communicate and coordinate population behavior through the mechanism of quorum sensing (QS), which controls the expression of genes that affect a variety of bacterial processes.
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Cannabis, Cannabinoids and endo-cannabinoids can act as novel anti-microbial agents affecting pathogens both in planktonic and biofilm environments.
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Their effect on bacterial QS has never been investigated.
Our Innovation
A novel concept for fighting bacterial and fungal infections, accumulations and pathogenicity using synthetic cannabinoids and/or human endo-cannabinoids
Applications for use
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Practical implications against topical infections (as dermal infections), oral infections, internal bacterial/fungal infections and infections associated with indwelling procedures (as catheters).
- Enable the manipulation of bacterial properties that are of major importance in industry, agriculture and medicine.
Technology
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QS Mechanism is based on small signaling molecules, termed autoinducers (AIs), which control factors such as bioluminescence, pigment production, motility and biofilm formation, among many others.
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The QS, free-living marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi produces and responds to at least three distinct AIs: HAI-1, AI-2 and CAI-1. AI-2 Is referred to "universal autoinducer" as it is found in numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
