AU boffins develop bacteria-killing Trojan horse

Researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have developed a new approach to treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

The scientists have developed a technique for combating the protective biofilms that are produced when bacteria build up to form communities. These bacteria biofilms are the root cause behind most chronic infections and are difficult to treat with conventional drugs.

The new technology, developed by UOW’s Dr Mike Kelso and researchers from UNSW’s School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, is known as a ‘Trojan horse’ drug.

The drugs are modified cephalosporins, a class of antibiotics. Biofilm bacteria recognise the drugs as dangerous and produce beta-lactamase to degrade the antibiotic molecules.

But when the cephalosporins are broken down a second molecule of nitric oxide, hidden within the molecular structure of the drug, is released into the biofilm.

“The nitric oxide then acts as a signal that tricks bacteria into dispersing from their easygoing biofilm lifestyle in pursuit of alternative lodging, convinced that their digs are no longer so cosy,” Dr Kelso said.

“Convincing bacteria to disperse from biofilms exposes their Achilles’ heel, since they are much more susceptible to traditional antibiotics and immune defences in the dispersed state. To put it another way, you need to think like bacteria to defeat bacteria.”

The scientists have patented the Trojan horse technology and are now shopping it around. They are currently in commercialisation discussions with two French pharmaceutical companies.