Polymeric Nanocapsules for the Treatment of Biofilms

•       Antimicrobial injectables for in vivo treatments of pathogenic biofilms

•       Antimicrobial ointments and creams for topical treatments of pathogenic biofilms

•       Antimicrobial toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss

•       Stable and potent antimicrobial polymeric nanocapsules containing an antimicrobial essential oil

•       Superior activity in biofilm inhibition and eradication as compared with unencapsulated essential oil

•       Small capsule size enabling biofilm treatment both in vitro and in vivo

•       Spontaneous assembly of nanocapsules

•       Scalable polymer synthesis

Bacterial biofilms are widely associated with persistent infections. The amphiphilic construct of biofilms provides protection for bacterial cells by reducing absorption of conventional antimicrobials. This invention provides new antimicrobial nanocapsules that can effectively inhibit and eradiate pathogenic biofilms. The nanocapsules contain an antimicrobial essential oil and can efficiently deliver the essential oil to the cells of pathogenic bacteria in the biofilm, resulting in effective killing of the bacteria.