BIOFILMS are a problem in medicine.
When bacteria gang up to form the continuous sheets that bear this name they are far harder to kill with antibiotics than when they just float around as individual cells. Biofilms on devices such as implants are thus difficult to shift, and those growing on the surfaces of human organs are frequently lethal. But Matthew Chang, a biochemical engineer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, has worked out a new way to attack them. His weapon is a different type of bacterium, which he has genetically engineered into a finely honed anti-biofilm missile.
The starting point for this new piece of biotechnology is a common gut bacterium called Escherichia coli. Though this species is best known to the wider world for causing food poisoning, most strains of it are benign, and it is one of the workhorses of genetics.
The story began in 2011 when Dr Chang worked out how to program E. coli to release destructive antimicrobial peptides when they came into contact with another bacterium,Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Biofilms
- Maxwell Biosciences Enters Second CRADA with USAMRIID to Test Claromer Compounds as Potential Therapeutics for Viral and Bacterial Pathogens
USAMRIID to study antiviral and antibacterial activity of Claromer technology against national priority biodefense threats. Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - May 8, 2024) - Maxwell Biosciences, a ...
- Could Your Water Bottle Make You Sick?
W ashing your reusable water bottle can be an easy chore to overlook—until you pop off the lid to give it a refill and notice a ring of scum. Those smaller bits—like the lid and/or straw—make water ...
- Scientists explore nature’s promise in combating plastic waste
By Claire Asher Plastic is a remarkably versatile and durable material, which has made it indispensable in almost every area of modern life. But these same properties, amplified by our ...
- Of Nanobacteria, Nanoparticles, Biofilms and Their Role in Health and Disease: Facts, Fancy and Future
Nanobacteria have been at the center of a major scientific controversy in recent years owing to claims that they represent not only the smallest living microorganisms on earth but also new ...
- Surprise! This Innocent-Looking Bathroom Item Is Actually The Germiest Part Of Your Bathroom
“You probably are going to have more of a chance of your face touching a shower curtain than a bath mat,” Tetro said. “So while the bath mat might be the germiest place, the shower curtain is actually ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Biofilms
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Biofilms” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Anti-biofilm
- Cranberry extracts may improve intestinal microbiota and help prevent chronic diseases
Cranberry extracts appear to improve intestinal microbiota and help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The study of Université Laval and the Institute of Nutrition ...
- Anti-Israel mob at Columbia reveals exactly what they will target next after taking over academic building
After anti-Israel agitators at Columbia University took over an academic building early Tuesday morning, students and administrators alike have been left to wonder: What’s next? At approximately ...
- WATCH: Anti-Israel protester admits she doesn't know why she's at NYU protest
A viral video purports to show an anti-Israel demonstrator at New York University confessing she doesn't know why she's protesting. In a video clip posted to X by former New York City Mayor Rudy ...
- Health Benefits of DIM (Diindolylmethane)
Researchers have looked at the anti-inflammatory effects of DIM ... Research suggests DIM can help block the growth of biofilm, a growth caused by bacteria on the skin. This may reduce the ...
- Here are six lesser-known health benefits of cranberries
these compounds have anti-biofilm properties, acting like a shield that prevents e. coli from sticking to the bladder and urinary tract lining. this defense mechanism makes cranberries a potential ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Anti-biofilm
[google_news title=”” keyword=”anti-biofilm” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]