Reducing antimicrobial resistant bacteria with the use of cold atmospheric plasma: Mechanism of action and influence on mutation and horizontal gene t

Project description:
The widespread use and misuse of antibiotics in animal production has led to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant
AMR bacteria on farms, which adds to the global burden of AMR, which has significant impacts on human health and
food security. Significant efforts to limit AMR on animal farms have so far focused on controlling the supply and use of
antimicrobial drugs. However, evidence shows that AMR pathogenic bacteria can persist and spread despite reducing
antimicrobial use to almost zero. AMR development and persistence in livestock is therefore not only an issue to be
addressed by reducing antimicrobial use. We have shown that cleaning and disinfection have a very important role to
play, but the extensive use of chemical disinfectants has been associated with the emergence of AMR and has a
considerable environmental impact. Therefore, new sustainable strategies for decontamination at the farm level are
necessary.
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel, residue and antibiotic-free, non-thermal technology shown to have
antibacterial properties in a variety of different settings. Plasma describes the state of an ionised gas (4th state of
matter), with natural examples including the northern lights, lightening and solar winds. In our lab, we produce CAP by
excitation of gas molecules using electrical discharges. CAP has the potential to inhibit bacteria due to the reactive
molecules and species it contains (e.g. oxygen/nitrogen reactive species). Our previous studies have proved that CAP is
effective in eliminating bacterial pathogens on different surfaces. This project aims to explore the viability of using CAP
to reduce AMR bacterial contamination on surfaces frequently found on farms, and the biological effects of CAP on
bacteria. You will investigate: i) the efficacy of CAP against AMR bacteria previously identified on farms; ii) the CAP-
mediated mechanism of action against AMR bacteria using functional genomics; iii) The influence of CAP on mutation
and horizontal transfer of AMR in bacteria; iv) the efficacy of CAP in controlling AMR bacteria on abiotic surfaces.
The successful student will join a consortium of two interdisciplinary research groups with access to world-class research
facilities at University of Bristol (molecular bacteriology, proteomics/functional genomics) and University of the West of
England-Bristol (cold plasma technology, microbiology). The student will receive excellent training and meaningful
support from their supervisory team, and develop the technical skills and enterprising mind-set that employers seek.