Molecular Design, Structures, and Activity of Antimicrobial Polymers As Synthetic Mimics of Host-Def
Description:
Molecular Design, Structures, and Activity of Antimicrobial Polymers As Synthetic Mimics of Host-Defense Peptides
Prof. Kenichi Kuroda
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria “superbugs” is a significant public health concern. The prevalence of drug resistance rapidly diminishes the available treatment options. Although an urgent need of new antibiotics is well-documented, the number of new antibiotics has fallen steadily in the last few decades. This is because it is a scientific challenge to find molecular mechanisms that can overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms and do not contribute to resistance development.
Our research is focused on a new molecular design of antimicrobial polymers as synthetic mimics of naturally occurring host-defense antimicrobial peptides. These peptides exert their antimicrobial effect by acting on bacterial cell wall or membranes, which contrast to conventional antibiotics. We synthesized methacrylate random copolymers with primary ammonium and alkyl groups to mimic the cationic amphiphilic functionality of these peptides. The copolymers displayed antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria including antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Bacteria cultured with the copolymers did not develop resistance after 21 passages while the inhibitory concentration of conventional antibiotics increased up to 500 times. This polymer design has been extended to include different polymer structures/architectures such as amphiphilic block copolymers and degradable polymers.
Antimicrobial polymers offer a great deal of promise for development of new antimicrobial agents which are not susceptible to the resistance mechanisms in bacteria. Compared to antimicrobial peptides, synthetic polymers can be produced in much greater quantities and provide a flexible framework for chemical modification and adaptation. The chemical and structural diversity of polymers will expand the possibilities for new antimicrobial materials with tailored activity.
Speaker Background
Kenichi Kuroda received his B. Eng. in Polymer Chemistry and M. Eng. in Biological Chemistry from Kyoto University, Japan. He joined Prof. Toyoichi Tanaka's group at the Department of Physics in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and studied the volume phase transition of polymer gels. After Prof. Tanaka passed away in 2000, Prof. Timothy Swager at the MIT chemistry department became his supervisor. He continued his doctoral research on polymer gels as well as semi-conducting polymers for biosensors in Prof. Swager's group and earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from MIT in 2003. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2006, he was a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. William DeGrado's group at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and developed antimicrobials based on polymeric materials. His current research interests include the development of biologically active polymers.
*****************************************************
Date:
Monday, October 14
Location:
Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline Park Mountain View, CA 94043
Directions Map
Timing:
6 PM social hour
7 PM dinner
8 PM lecture
Cost:
Employed/postdoc Student/unemployed/retired Early Registration - Up to 7 days in advance of deadline $30 $15 Registration - Up to deadline $35 $20 After deadline/walk-in (Availability NOT guaranteed) $40 $25
Lecture-only is free.
Payment:
We accept cash or checks, but are unable to accept payment by credit card at this time. Payment is taken at the door. No-shows are responsible for full payment of registration fee.
Registration:
Please register on the web page https://ggpf.mystagingwebsite.com/ or contact:
Guohua Chen
email: chen_gh_2000@yahoo.com
phone: 408 663 3376
Deadline for registration:
5PM, Monday, October 7 for early registration discount
5PM, Sunday, October 13 for registration (or until venue has reached capacity.)
Dinner Selection:
Broiled Salmon
Breast of Chicken, Portobello
Cheese Tortellini
We are sorry but registration for this event is now closed.
Please contact us if you would like to know if spaces are still available.
