Design of Lectin-functionalized Lipid Nanocarriers as therapeutics for pulmonary biofilm associated infections

Anani Afanou – Associated professor, National Institute of Occupational Health (Norway); Francesco Barbero – Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Chemistry, University of Turin (Italy); Sandra Bonillo-Marcos – Predoctoral researcher, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry-Spanish National Research Council; Ivana Fenoglio – Full professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Turin (Italy); Øyvind Haugen – Postdoctoral researcher, National Institute of Occupational Health (Norway); Shan Narui – Head and Lead Research Professor, National Institute of Occupational Health (Norway); Alaa Eddin Tarhouchi El Morabit – Predoctoral researcher, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry-Spanish National Research Council; Fikirte Zegeye – Predoctoral researcher, National Institute of Occupational Health (Norway)

Introduction: Pathogenic bacteria briefly exist as free-planktonic cells before forming biofilms, surface-attached multicellular communities. Biofilms occur typically in chronic lung infections, including cystic fibrosis, COPD, and ventilator-associated pneumonia [1]. Biofilms, held by bacterial matrix, contribute to antibiotic resistance and gene transfer, causing persistent infections [2]. With growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), alternative therapies are needed, and nanoparticles offer numerous advantages [3]. This work explores targeted lipid nanoparticles against bacteria causing respiratory infections considering safety by design principles for new advanced nanomaterials.