Researchers at the University of Waterloo have unveiled a breakthrough in targeted medicine, introducing technology capable of delivering a full course of antibiotics in a single small dose.

Researchers say this innovative system delivers the precise amount of drug needed to fight infections, minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Technology has been tested on two bacterial strains: Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes serious conditions such as meningitis and septicemia, and Gardnerella vaginalis, linked to bacterial vaginosis.

Developed by the School of Pharmacy team, nanomedicine works by targeting bacteria at the molecular level. Unlike traditional therapies, which release drugs continuously, researchers say this technology only releases antibiotics when specific bacterial toxins are present.

According to the team of researchers, this ensures that patients receive the right amount of medication, thereby reducing the risk of side effects and combating the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“Ideally, the patient takes the entire course of antibiotics in one go, and so patients don’t have to worry about forgetting to take a pill or only taking it with food,” said Dr. Emmanuel Ho, principal investigator and professor at the Institute. School of Pharmacy. “You know nanomedicine works when the symptoms of the disease improve.”

Ho’s goal is to use this technology in the prevention and treatment of other diseases.

In addition to its medical applications, the team is investigating the use of this technology in food packaging to extend shelf life, with potential implications for reducing global food waste. The researchers aim to commercialize the technology for medical and industrial applications.