Scientists combat antimicrobial resistance with food by-products

A groundbreaking project with a budget of £1.1 million is being launched with the goal of transforming how drugs, especially new antimicrobial medications, are produced by utilizing food waste products. This initiative is led by the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with the University of Surrey and pharmaceutical giant GSK, aiming to create a more affordable and environmentally friendly method for producing antimicrobials, thus tackling the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance worldwide.

The focus of the research is on exploiting certain bacteria, notably Streptomyces, which are recognized for their capacity to yield a variety of pharmaceuticals, including antimicrobials. The project aims to innovate a method that uses food leftovers, leading to a biomanufacturing process that is less harmful to the environment. This approach could facilitate the development of a broad spectrum of drugs, such as those used for treating parasitic infections, cancer, fungal infections, and for immunosuppression.

Prof. Paul Hoskisson from Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences highlighted the significant challenge of finding sustainable raw materials for fermentation processes that are eco-friendlier, reduce carbon footprint, and do not compete with food resources.

The strategy involves employing engineering biology techniques to adapt antimicrobial-producing bacteria to feed on leftover food, eliminating the reliance on costly, high-quality feedstocks. This method aims to maintain the production of valuable medicines while incorporating waste products.

Prof. Claudio Avignone Rossa of the University of Surrey emphasized the critical nature of antimicrobial resistance as a worldwide concern. He underlined the necessity for inventive solutions in drug development and manufacturing, pointing out the limitations posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens on treating common infections and performing vital medical procedures like chemotherapy. According to Rossa, despite the availability of antimicrobial drugs, the high cost of development and production requires creative thinking and an in-depth understanding of bacterial metabolism to address these challenges effectively.