Investigating biocidal action against bacterial spores
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Abstract
Bacterial endospores are the most robust cells found in nature. This project concerns the development of spores for the synthesis and delivery of a range of biologics e.g. antibodies, hormones etc. A major objective concerns characterisation of the kinetics of release of macromolecules upon stimulation of spore germination, and assessment of the functionality of the spore payload.
| Description | AlphaFold predictions of spore-associated protein complexes have indicated the formation of channels in the spore coat to allow small molecules to pass into the spore to trigger germination and return to vegetative growth. |
| Exploitation Route | Further modelling is possible, accounting for the position and orientation of the protein complex in the context of the spore coat and membrane. This should agree with previous experimental results showing that disrupting these genes affects spore germination, due to the inability of germinant molecules to pass into the spore and trigger receptors inside |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Environment,Healthcare |