New Antibacterial Gel Destroys Hospital Superbugs with Natural Proteins

Scientists may have made a breakthrough when it comes to combating hospital superbugs that are resistant to normal antibiotics. Researchers have created an innovative antibacterial gel that can kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci and E. coli using natural proteins.

"When bacteria attach to surfaces, including medical implants such as hip replacements and catheters, they produce a jelly-like substance called the biofilm," said Garry Laverty, one of the researchers, in a news release. "This protective layer is almost impossible for current antibiotics to penetrate through. Therefore bacteria deep within this protective layer are resistant as they remain unexposed to the therapy. They grow and thrive on surfaces to cause infections that are very difficult to treat. The only option is often to remove the medical implant leading to further pain and discomfort for the patient. Our gels would prevent this."

The new gels have the ability to break down the thick jelly-like coating that cover bacteria. This means that they can target and kill even the most resistant forms of hospital superbugs.

"It involves the use of gels composed of the building blocks of natural proteins, called peptides," said Laverty. "The same ingredients that form human tissue. These molecules are modified slightly in the laboratory to allow them to form gels that will rapidly kill bacteria. This is further evidence of Queen's research advancing knowledge and changing lives."

The findings represent a new way to combat antibacterial resistant bacteria. This is a huge step forward when it comes to stomping out infections within hospitals. With resistant bacteria on the rise, it's more important than ever to develop new methods to prevent the spread of infections that could pose life-threatening problems.

The findings are published in the journal Biomacromolecules.