20
Dec 2019
Microscopic strands of ‘DNA origami’ could boost effectiveness of antibiotics and halt the rise of superbugs
Scientists at the University of Cambridge found a technique whereby the microscopic devices crafted from intricately folded strands of DNA, and forcing bacteria into contact with drugs, slowed the growth rate of two common bugs, one of which was E. coli.
They added that the folded DNA method could allow lower doses of antibiotics to be prescribed to patients, reducing the chances of side-effects.
It will also in the long term, sow the rise of antibiotic resistance, which has come about due to the over-prescription of the drugs and incorrect doses being taken. The problem has also been exacerbated by only one or two new antibiotics being developed in the last 30 years.
DNA is known for storing the genetic information of living things, but is being manipulated for other purposes due to modern science. It can be folded into intricate structures to create any pattern, known as DNA origami.
The research team created the microscopic devices – flat DNA platforms with five ‘hooks’ protruding from the edges. Each hook had DNA designed to bind to Bacillus subtilis bacteria, or E. coli, which is responsible for infections such as septicaemia and meningitis. The hooks were also equipped with two molecules of lysozyme, an enzyme which destroys bacteria trying to enter our body.
Philip Tinnefeld of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich said of the study “This is a nice application of using the modularity of DNA nanotech – you can incorporate different ingredients.
“One potential flaw is that DNA structures tend to get broken down by enzymes in the blood, although they can be chemically modified to make them more stable.”
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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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