The present invention is generally directed to compositions useful in
preventing and/or treating disease due to infection by any of a variety
of biologically active pathogenic microorganisms. The compositions
include nanoparticles formed of a hydrophobic polymeric core, hydrophilic
linking agents bound to the core, and biofunctional materials bound to
the linking agents. The biofunctional materials are functionally
identical to receptors on host cell surfaces that can be recognized and
bound by adhesins on the surface of the targeted pathogenic
adhesin-bearing microorganisms. In one embodiment, the binding action
between the nanoparticles and the microorganisms can lead to the
formation of large agglomerated complexes, which can then be easily
removed from an area, including the digestive tract of an infected
individual. The compositions of the present invention can also be
utilized in preventing enteric infections via the ability to purge
animals of enteropathogens prior to transport and processing for human
consumption.