Tech Session V: Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus: Nano)
Localized delivery Antibacterial Gallium-based Nanoparticles to Treat Lung Infections
Thursday, July 17, 2025
11:05 AM – 11:16 AM EDT
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognized as a worldwide public health threat, as it is estimated that, by 2050, AMR could result in 10 million deaths annually [1]. Therefore, developing a novel non-antibiotic antimicrobial approach to combat bacterial infections is invaluable. Virtually all bacteria require ferric ions (Fe3+) for critical metabolic processes. Gallium ions (Ga3+) have identical physicochemical properties with Fe3+. However, Ga3+ cannot undergo redox cycling under physiological conditions [2]. Thus, introducing exogenous Ga3+ can disrupt bacterial metabolism and growth [3].
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will know
Understand the application of the scalable flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technique to produce GaNP.
Evaluate the ability of GaNPs to inhibit planktonic bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
Explain the mechanism by which GaNPs exhibit antibacterial activity.
