Pusan National University Discovers New Bacterial Tools Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Pusan National University Unveils Engineered Bacterial Vesicles Against Antimicrobial Resistance
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at Pusan National University in South Korea, a novel approach to combat antimicrobial resistance has emerged through the use of engineered bacterial vesicles. This innovative method centers around extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which are designed to target harmful pathogenic bacteria, including notorious strains like Staphylococcus aureus.
Understanding the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health issue. Pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, not only pose a threat by causing various infections but have increasingly demonstrated resistance to conventional antibiotics. This phenomenon threatens effective treatment options and poses significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide. The toxins and enzymes produced by these harmful microorganisms undermine human health, making the quest for effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics critical.
A Novel Approach: EVs Derived from LAB
The researchers at Pusan National University have taken a significant step towards tackling this challenge by focusing on LAB, known for their beneficial properties. By engineering EVs derived from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, the team created a platform capable of delivering targeted antibacterial materials.
The primary focus of the study was on the surface-displaying proteins present in LAB-derived EVs. The researchers identified a protein named LP-SDP3, which was found to be unique to the extracellular vesicles of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei. This was a remarkable finding as it was the first time surface-displaying proteins from LAB-derived EVs had been characterized. The team’s experiment involved intensive proteomic analysis and bioinformatics to uncover the functionalities of these proteins.
Targeted Antibacterial Action with PlyF307SQ-8C
Leveraging their discovery, the team incorporated PlyF307SQ-8C, a specialized endolysin effective against S. aureus, into the EVs utilizing the LP-SDP3 protein. This engineered combination exhibited a remarkable ability to selectively target and eliminate S. aureus cells.
What sets these engineered EVs apart is their resilience against temperature and pH changes, critical factors that often compromise the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatments. Furthermore, they do not promote antimicrobial resistance, maintaining a safety profile comparable to that of the pure PlyF307SQ-8C endolysin.
Prof. Kim, a lead researcher on the study, expressed confidence in the potential of this innovation, stating, “Engineered EVs derived from LAB can be produced on a large scale, significantly reducing the need for costly protein purification technologies.”
The Future of Antimicrobial Therapies
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate use against infections; it has the potential to reshape the future of not only drug therapies but also food preservation and biologically-based treatments. Researchers see this as a shift from reliance on traditional antibiotics to an era of safe and sustainable bioengineered alternatives.
Looking forward, the researchers at Pusan National University predict that advancements of this nature could significantly alter the landscape of antibacterial therapies within the next decade. This research, thus, signifies not just a step forward in scientific understanding but a leap towards actionable solutions against a growing health crisis.
The findings and methodologies utilized in this study were published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, marking a pivotal contribution to the ongoing efforts to combat antibiotic resistance effectively. With the continual evolution of pathogenic bacteria, innovations such as these will be critical in ensuring public health safety and the efficacy of future therapeutic strategies.
References
- - Title of Original Paper: Surface-displaying protein from Lacticaseibacillus paracasei–derived extracellular vesicles: Identification and utilization in the fabrication of an endolysin-displaying platform against Staphylococcus aureus
- - Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
- - DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.162196
- - Contact: Prof. Goon-Soo Kim, Pusan National University
Topics Health）
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