PHIL ID# 232
Title: Scanning Electron Micrograph of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Content Provider(s): CDC/
Provider E-Mail: —
Creation Date: —
Description: Scanning Electron Micrograph of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Source Library: CDC/NCID/HIP
Photo Credit: CDC/Janice Carr
Researchers in Gdańsk have developed and patented an innovative antibacterial agent that shows strong activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most problematic antibiotic-resistant bacteria in modern medicine.
The breakthrough comes from an interdisciplinary team of scientists representing the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Gdańsk, and Gdańsk University of Technology. The Polish Patent Office has granted a patent for their new formulation.
Their preparation is based on a clever synergy between silver nanoparticles and a class of organic compounds called naphthoquinones. Separately, these ingredients have limited antibacterial power, but when combined they significantly boost each other’s effectiveness, inhibiting bacterial growth and actively killing P. aeruginosa cells.
Dr Marta Krychowiak-Maśnicka, who leads the research team, explains that this synergistic approach can help slow the development of resistance and extend the usefulness of antibacterial agents. The use of silver nanoparticles offers a promising, less toxic alternative to traditional silver salts.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic pathogen that poses a serious health challenge, especially in hospitals. It often infects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic conditions, non-healing wounds, or elderly patients, and its high resistance to many antibiotics makes it particularly difficult to treat.
Further research will focus on understanding the precise mechanism of action of the new formulation and assessing its potential applications. The team is also seeking partners interested in the commercial development and practical implementation of the invention.
The original content was published on the naukawpolsce.pl website: https://naukawpolsce.pl/aktualnosci/news%2C111363%2Cgdansk-naukowcy-opracowali-srodek-na-paleczke-ropy-blekitnej.html
