Menu
19/08/2014
Queen's Develops Gel In Fight Against Hospital Superbugs
Queen's University scientists have developed a new antibacterial gel that is being lauded as a "breakthrough" in the fight against hospital superbugs.
The team from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s developed the gel, which acts to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci and E.coli using natural proteins.
Dr Garry Laverty, from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University, and lead researcher, said: "When bacteria attach to surfaces, including medical implants such as hip replacements and catheters, they produce a jelly-like substance called the biofilm. 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.
"Our gels are unique as they target and kill the most resistant forms of hospital superbugs. It involves the use of gels composed of the building blocks of natural proteins, called peptides. 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 project was developed as part of an international collaboration between the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s and the School of Chemistry at Brandeis University, Waltham, USA. Findings will be published in the journal Biomacromolecules next month.
(IT/CD)
The team from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s developed the gel, which acts to kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci and E.coli using natural proteins.
Dr Garry Laverty, from the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University, and lead researcher, said: "When bacteria attach to surfaces, including medical implants such as hip replacements and catheters, they produce a jelly-like substance called the biofilm. 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.
"Our gels are unique as they target and kill the most resistant forms of hospital superbugs. It involves the use of gels composed of the building blocks of natural proteins, called peptides. 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 project was developed as part of an international collaboration between the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s and the School of Chemistry at Brandeis University, Waltham, USA. Findings will be published in the journal Biomacromolecules next month.
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
26 November 2024
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
27 November 2024
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
Graduate Entry Medical Students To Benefit From Tuition Fee Loans
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that from the 2025/26 academic year, students enrolled in the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry-Londonderry campus will be eligible for tuition fee loans. Previously, graduate entry medical students were unable to access government loans to cover tuition fees.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
