Emerging on the global stage at the 8th World Congress on Infectious Diseases held in Rome was Dr. Stephen Hsu, an esteemed professor from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. He showcased his latest invention; a groundbreaking nanotechnology called Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology (FAST). The innovative technology could significantly transform sectors like drug development, viral infection prevention, and hospital hygiene.
In contrast to conventional nanotechnologies that require polymers, metals, surfactants, fat-based carriers, or complex engineering processes, FAST presents an alternative and simpler approach. It allows compounds, previously challenging to dissolve in water, to self-assemble into nanoparticles with minimal effort, thus enabling the formulation of stable, efficacious, and convenient drugs for both medical and consumer use.
Dr. Hsu particularly highlighted a green tea-derived compound, dubbed as EC16 or EGCG-palmitate, a lipid-soluble compound renowned for its antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. While green tea’s benefits have long been acknowledged, applying it directly in clinical use has been hindered by stability concerns. However, FAST appears to overcome these challenges and revolutionizes the transformation of EC16 and similar hydrophobic compounds into water-friendly nanoparticles.
Dr. Hsu’s life work is a fascinating combination of lifelong dedication to research and a soul-touching personal backstory. Having endured illness as a young boy in a labor camp in China, he credits green tea for his survival. His ultimate goal now is to convert the natural advantages of green tea into world-changing therapies and thereby extend its benefits to a broader global audience.
Dr. Hsu’s research, backed by over $600,000 in NIH grants, is continually unraveling new possibilities. Among the team’s hard work is the development of alcohol-free disinfectants and nasal sprays geared towards the prevention of respiratory viral infections. A promising product in the pipeline is the EC16-based, non-toxic disinfectant effective against formidable pathogens such as norovirus and the severe diarrhea-inducing bacterium, C. difficile. This could be a game-changer for environments susceptible to the rapid multiplication and spread of infections, including schools, hospitals, and cruise ships.
Among the more promising applications of FAST technology is a nasal spray designed to prevent or treat lingering long COVID symptoms and other respiratory illnesses. This prophylactic tool, currently undergoing stringent preclinical testing, targets the nasal mucosa, where infections are often initiated. The team hopes to leverage this technology to provide respite to immunocompromised patients and others experiencing long-term COVID symptoms like brain fog or loss of smell.
In addition to topical applications, the team has found success in conceiving oral formulations of EC16 that withstand the stomach’s acidic environment, and might prove useful in the fight against gastrointestinal viruses and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease.
FAST is not limited to green tea compounds; it also exhibits potential in transforming other hydrophobic compounds, such as cannabidiol, ivermectin, quercetin, procyanidin, and retinoic acid into water-friendly and stable nanoparticles. The technology also bodes promise for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of many existing drugs, thus enhancing their effectiveness.
As his team is already delving into potential applications for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, cancer therapy, oral health and even anti-biofilm coatings for hospital infection prevention, Dr. Hsu continues the process of protecting this technological gem by preparing for patent filings. Though optimistic about the phenomenal results, he treads the path cautiously, fully aware of the dramatic changes that FAST can bring in the way medicine is delivered and diseases are fought.
The endeavors spearheaded by Dr. Hsu at Augusta University hold immense promise and could potentially reshape the future of healthcare in Georgia and beyond. As these groundbreaking products, including the nasal spray, are slated to hit the market soon, support and partnerships from all quarters could immensely aid the effort to expand the impact of Dr. Hsu’s groundbreaking technology.
Source: https://jagwire.augusta.edu/fast-nanotechnology-unveiled-at-rome-global-congress-by-au-scientist/