Bacterial pathogens have sophisticated mechanisms for acquiring iron, a vital element associated with infection and virulence. Heme and its derivatives are primary sources of iron that are aggressively scavenged by bacteria in infectious disease, creating opportunities for targeted detection and delivery. Several species are capable of acquiring hemin near the limit of diffusion, enabling their rapid capture by hemin conjugates or detection by GaPpIX, a fluorescent hemin analog. GaPpIX is also an excellent photosensitizer, with nanomolar activity against MRSA following 10 seconds of irradiation using a LED source. Similar activities are observed using GaPpIX supported by hemoglobin on Ag nanoparticles, including enhanced antimicrobial effects against persister strains.

Heme acquisition pathways for rapid pathogen detection and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

2019 Spring National Meeting

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