Researchers from IBM and the Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology published a nanomedicine breakthrough in Nature Chemistry, demonstrating the first biodegradable antimicrobial polymer nanoparticles to combat drug-resistant bacteria and infectious diseases like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA. Unlike conventional antibiotics, these nanostructures target infected cells without destroying healthy red blood cells.
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| 04 Apr 2011 | IBM and The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Find Breakthrough for MRSA Treatment |
Images
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IBM Research nanomedicine breakthrough
Date added: 02 Apr 2011
The antimicrobial agents developed by IBM Research and the Institute for Bioengineering and Nanomedicine attack the infected cells while protecting healthy red blood cells.
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Polymers
Date added: 04 Apr 2011
The polymers, which self-assemble in water, are physically attracted to infected cells and, unlike conventional antiobiotics, enter through the cell membrane (bottom right). Then, the nanostructures destroy infected blood cells from inside, causing the infection to clear (bottom left) without destroying healthy cells.
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Infected Cell
Date added: 04 Apr 2011
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) image of the MRSA cell before treatment.
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Treated Cell
Date added: 04 Apr 2011
TEM image of the damaged cell wall and membrane of MRSA after treatment with biodegradable antimicrobial polycarbonate nanoparticles.
Contact(s) for the Press kit
Ari Entin
IBM Media Relations
408-927-2272
aentin@us.ibm.com