C3 STAMPs

STAMPs are rationally designed short sequences of amino acids (peptides) that identify and kill specific bacteria or fungi.

STAMPs are made of three separate sections. The first section (targeting region) is designed to selectively attach to the bacterium or fungi that the STAMP is designed to eliminate. The second section (linker region) allows the targeting and antimicrobial regions to move independently. This is necessary so that the third element (the antimicrobial region) can physically attack the target organism. In chemistry, this is called preventing steric hindrance.

Once this construct is optimized, it selectively eliminates the targeted bacteria or fungi while leaving the remainder of the microbial ecosystem intact. This is important on biofilm-bearing surfaces because most microbial ecosystems are not only normal but necessary for normal functions. Normal antibiotics can disrupt this ecosystem because they are not selective. This can lead to superinfections with other organisms not debilitated by the antibiotic.

STAMPs allow the normal organisms to "fill in" the spaces created when the target organisms are killed. This creates a real barrier to re-entry for the pathogens. Said differently, if the pathogen is reintroduced, there is no room in the microbial inn.

For a more thorough discussion of how STAMPs work, download these scientific papers and other documents.

Targeted Killing of Streptococcus mutans by a Pheromone-Guided "Smart" Antimicrobial Peptide

Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Coadministration of G10KHc and Tobramycin

Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Coadministration of G10KHc and Tobramycin

Optimism, Puzzlement over lnfluenza Behavior, Flu Vaccine Prospects

Biofilms - slimy layers of bacteria that antibiotics don't fully kill - are found in hospitals, kitchens, even your mouth. Scientists are on the attack.

Researchers Report Initial Success in Promising Approach to Prevent Tooth Decay

First "Smart" Antimicrobial Reported

UCLA School of Dentistry Researchers Prepare to STAMP Out Pathogens With Smart Bomb Antimicrobial Technology

Adding Selectivity to Antimicrobial Peptides: Rational Design of a Multidomain Peptide against Pseudomonas spp.

Targeted Killing of Streptococcus mutans by a Pheromone-Guided "Smart" Antimicrobial Peptide

Novel Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides against Streptococcus mutans

Patent Application: Anti-microbial targeting chimeric pharmaceutical