Our technology uses AURAs—antibiotic-loaded ultrasound-responsive agents.
A New Era in Therapeutics
Transforming how antibiotics reach chronic infections.
Designed to carry antibiotics into the protected biofilm environment.
Ultrasound activates the particles at the treatment site, combining mechanical biofilm disruption with local antibiotic delivery.
A new research approach to one of the central barriers in chronic infection treatment.
1. INITIAL COLONISATION
Bacteria attach to damaged tissue or a device surface and begin forming small communities. This initial attachment can develop into a more organised, multi-species structure.
2. PROLIFERATION & MATURATION
Different bacterial populations can multiply, communicate and organise into a structured community. Their collective behaviour can make the infection more resilient than free-floating bacteria.
3. MATRIX FORMATION
Bacteria produce an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix containing polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA. This creates chemical and physical gradients that can reduce drug penetration and support antimicrobial tolerance.
4. TOLERANCE & RESISTANCE
A mature biofilm can tolerate much higher antimicrobial exposure than free-living bacteria. Physical barriers, low-activity persister cells and genetic resistance mechanisms can all contribute to treatment failure and recurrence.
1. PENETRATION
AURAs are nanoscale carriers designed to move through the biofilm matrix.
2. ACTIVATION
Therapeutic ultrasound triggers a rapid liquid-to-gas phase change, forming transient microbubbles within the biofilm.
3. DELIVERY
Bubble oscillation and cavitation generate local mechanical forces that disrupt the matrix and improve transport through the biofilm.
4. DELIVERY
The loaded antibiotic is released close to exposed bacteria, increasing local delivery and intracellular accumulation.