Multifunctional photoactive nanocarriers for degradation of bacterial biofilms

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Biofilms are a common form of growth and survival for many bacteria. They are structurally complex and dynamic systems that are difficult to treat. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) holds great promise in this regard and offers a viable alternative in an era where antibiotics may no longer be long-term options. While most evaluations of aPDT effects on biofilms have been conducted with molecular photosensitizers, the potential of nanocarrier systems with high mobility and diffusion into biofilms has been less studied. Due to the versatile and generic mechanisms of action of singlet oxygen or other reactive oxygen species, targeted aPDT offers the option to lyse specific biofilm components. We will take advantage of the versatility of synthesis and functional modifications of amphiphilic polymers to obtain a library of nanodelivery systems where charge, size, type of photosensitizer, and targeting moiety vary, giving us the opportunity to find the most efficient pathway for aPDT for biofilm treatments. Within this project, the photophysical properties and photobiological effects of photoactive nanocarriers will be investigated. The research approach covers all the main aspects we consider critical for the successful development of antibacterial therapeutics merging competencies in synthetic chemistry, nanotechnology, photochemistry, and microbiology.