THIS GRANT IS A CONTINUATION OF N00014-14-1-0791
Abstract
During a previous ONR award (N00014-07-1-0255; 2010-2014), Dr. Blackwell s laboratory established a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. David Lynn (University of WI, Madison) to exploit the properties of potent inhibitors of bacterial Ôquorum sensingÕ to design thin films and coatings that can be applied on surfaces of arbitrary shape and composition to prevent bacterial fouling and virulence in aqueous environments. Proof-of-concept for this strategy was demonstrated by developing potent synthetic quorum sensing inhibitors, incorporating them into polymer coatings, and demonstrating that the quorum sensing inhibitor loaded materials can reduce or prevent bacterial biofilm formation and virulence on a range of surfaces. Twenty three peer-reviewed manuscripts were published from that research. The proposed research will leverage those preliminary findings to develop new synthetic quorum sensing inhibitors with potencies and physicochemical properties required for integration into new materials-based anti-infective strategies, and develop quorum sensing inhibitor-loaded coatings, novel nanostructured materials, and new principles that can be used to design surfaces that prevent bacterial communication, fouling, and virulence in complex environments. Approaches that exploit conventional materials and fabrication processes and also investigate two novel materials platforms (porous polymer coatings that are extremely non-wetting to water (ÔsuperhydrophobicÕ coatings), and new types of inherently anti-fouling ÔslipperyÕ liquid-infused polymeric surfaces) will be used. These new materials have unique combinations of bulk and interfacial properties that provide opportunities to enhance the utility of quorum sensing inhibitor-loaded coatings and design multi-functional anti-fouling surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612185
Entities
People
- Helen Blackwell
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Wisconsin System