Scientists from Perm Technical University, in collaboration with colleagues at the Siberian Federal University and the Institute of Biophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have created a new antibacterial compound.
According to the university's media office, the new antibiotic, which comes in the form of biodegradable microcapsules, is effective against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida fungi.
The developers noted that the new drug is based on antipyrene derivatives, a class of compounds long known in medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Researchers from the university, in collaboration with the Institute of Organic Chemistry, were able to synthesize an antibacterial compound from this class and then incorporate it into microcapsules made of polyhydroxybutyrate, a naturally occurring, biodegradable polymer that breaks down in the body into water and carbon dioxide.
They explained that the capsules are produced using spray-drying technology, and their coating contains approximately 15% of the active ingredient. The drug's release mechanism is highly efficient, releasing about one-third of the active ingredient within the first 12 hours, providing a concentrated dose to eliminate the infection, while the remaining portion is released gradually and evenly over the following five days, ensuring a sustained protective concentration.
The researchers noted that tests showed the compound's effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Candida opportunistic fungus, which are among the most important causes of mixed infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.
They added that the biodegradable coating will prevent the accumulation of the carrier polymer in tissues, thus enhancing the safety of drug use.
