Methods of inhibiting and treating bacterial biofilms by metal chelators

Abstract

The invention presented herein provides methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections. The methods are based on the discovery that depletion of bioavailable iron stimulates surface motility in bacteria thus inhibiting the ability of a bacterial population to develop into a biofilm.

1 . A method of inhibiting biofilm formation by bacteria comprising contacting said bacteria with an effective amount of a metal chelator, to thereby inhibit biofilm formation by said bacteria. 
     
     
         2 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method of stimulating surface motility in bacteria comprising contacting said bacteria with a metal chelator. 
     
     
         12 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method of inhibiting biofilm development by bacteria in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a metal chelator, thereby inhibiting biofilm development by said bacteria in said subject. 
     
     
         23 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method of treating a subject suffering from a bacterial infection comprising administering to said subject a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a metal chelator, thereby treating the subject suffering from a bacterial infection. 
     
     
         34 - 55 . (canceled) 
     
     
         56 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a metal chelator and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         57 - 68 . (canceled) 
     
     
         69 . A method of inhibiting biofilm formation on a device comprising, contacting said device with a compound comprising an effective amount of a metal chelator, thereby inhibiting the formation of biofilm on said device. 
     
     
         70 - 76 . (canceled) 
     
     
         77 . A kit for treating a bacterial infection comprising a metal chelator and directions for use. 
     
     
         78 - 101 . (canceled)