Bug-busting science targets harmful microorganisms
Bacteria, fungi and viruses are a major source of infection and disease. But not all are harmful and ‘good’
microorganisms are often killed indiscriminately. However, new research has revealed scientists are making steady
progress to target specific species of harmful bacteria including E. coli.
Infection by harmful microorganisms can result in serious problems such as food poisoning, diarrhoea, enteritis and
urinary tract infections. However, ‘good’ micro-organisms are known to have a valuable role in digestion, contribute to
our immune system and protect against ‘bad’ microorganisms.
Current methods of killing microorganisms, such as antibiotics and disinfectants, are often non-selective – killing good
and bad at the same time. Now a team of researchers, in the Republic of Korea, have chemically engineered a solution
which targets one of the most common and potentially harmful bacteria – E. coli.
The researchers were able to combine an antibody (Escherichia coli polyclonal antibody) with titanium oxide – a catalyst
with antibacterial properties – to target E. coli. The approach resulted in around 90 per cent of the E. coli being
killed in the first 15 minutes, with no significant impact on three other non-targeted bacteria measured during the
process.
The research1, which was published in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental in November 2013, shows the potential of
combining catalysts like titanium oxide with bacteria-specific antibodies to fight disease and infection, without
upsetting the body’s natural balance of microorganisms.
Dr David Brown, chief executive of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), said: “Titanium oxide has many
remarkable properties and is already widely used by chemical engineers in products like paint, sunscreen, food colouring
and even reducing pollution. This latest research will be of great interest to many chemical engineers working in the
pharmaceutical sector.
“The research also has the potential to influence public health policy in response to continuing concerns about the
over-prescription of antibiotics and resistance to antibiotics by sections of the population. A more sophisticated
management of harmful microorganisms and targeted use of antibiotics could overcome some of these problems as well as
improving general health”.
The role of chemical engineers in the health sector is explored in IChemE’s latest technical strategy, Chemical
Engineering Matters. The strategy also includes actions chemical engineers are taking on other global challenges
including water, food and energy.
Reference
1 M.Y. Song, H.D. Jung, J. Jurng, B.C. Kim, Bacterial target specific photocatalyst for the enhancement of antibacterial
property to targets, Applied Catalysis B, Environmental (2013),http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2013.11.038
Ends