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Researchers at the University of Zurich and Spexis have re-engineered the chemical structure of a natural peptide, thanatin, to develop a new class of antibiotics capable of combating resistant bacteria. The synthetic peptides have demonstrated effectiveness, safety, and resistance to bacterial immunity in mice tests, bringing the potential for a new type of antibiotic that can combat resistant strains. In a study recently published in Science Advances, Zerbe now discusses the development of a highly effective class of antibiotics that fight Gram-negative bacteria in a novel way. The WHO classifies this group of bacteria as extremely dangerous. The group, whose resistance...

It was previously known that β-lactam antibiotics work by preventing cell wall growth, but exactly how they kill has remained a mystery until now. “Concentrating on the superbug MRSA, our research revealed that the antibiotics lead to the formation of small holes that span the cell wall that gradually enlarge as part of growth-associated processes, eventually killing the bacteria. We also identified some of the enzymes that are involved in making the holes. Read more...  

A study of one of the weapons that bacteria use to defeat rivals has revealed a new approach for potential antibiotics.