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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Klipdassie on December 16, 2017, 09:14:38 AM

Title: HOCl as a destructor of bacteria
Post by: Klipdassie on December 16, 2017, 09:14:38 AM

Hello,

I have to write a paper about antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, therefore I search for solutions for rhis problem. One of my solutions was HOCl. This acid is used by neutrophil granulocytes to destroy the bacteria. This acid is created under the influence of an enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO). for creating this acid is the following reaction used.

H₂ O₂+Cl^-→HOCl+OH^-

As we all know this acid isn't only harmfull for bacteria but also our normal tissue. So I was thinking what if we could transport it only to the bacteria. I am tinking about lyposomes. This way I can transport a drug to specific bacteria, because of the specific proteins the membrane of bacteria contains. A lyposome  consists of a lipid bilayer. Now is my question. Can a lyposome contain an acid, or will the lyposome be destroyed because of the acid?

Another question: How can I destroy the HOCl without leaving harmfull byproducts?

PS: I am sorry for the possible language mistakes :)