Design, production and evaluation of novel protein-based antimicrobial agents

Both bacteriophage and bacteria are rich sources of enzymes that efficiently cleave peptidoglycan in a variety of places resulting in selective bacterial cell death. Using a combination of synthetic biology and bioconjugation techniques, we will design, produce and evaluate new hybrid structures that either: 1. have modified targeting abilities and are selective for new bacterial species including those that exhibit resistance to current antibiotics; 2. Are a generation of new biologics that can use alternative antibacterial modalities such as reactive oxygen species to kill bacterial selectively including those in biofilms. The new structures may find uses as tools in biochemical research, for decontaminating surfaces including those on medical devices and ultimately as antibacterial agents for use in animal or human health.