Revolutionizing Drug Production: Innovative Project Utilizes Food By-Products to Develop Antimicrobial Drugs

A groundbreaking project with a budget of £1.1 million is underway to revolutionize drug production by utilizing food by-products to develop new antimicrobial drugs. Spearheaded by the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the University of Surrey and GSK, this research aims to make the production of antimicrobials more cost-effective and sustainable, in response to the urgent global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

The project focuses on harnessing the potential of bacteria, particularly Streptomyces, known for their ability to produce a variety of drugs, including antimicrobials. By utilizing food by-products, the team hopes to create a less carbon-intensive process for biomanufacturing, opening up possibilities for the development of a range of medications such as anti-parasitic, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, and immunosuppressant drugs. Professor Paul Hoskisson, the lead researcher at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, emphasizes the critical nature of this project.

He highlights the challenge in industrial biotechnology of using sustainable industrial feedstocks for fermentation processes that promote greener manufacturing and cleaner growth without competing with the food chain. The project will leverage engineering biology approaches to guide bacteria towards utilizing food by-products for antimicrobial production, eliminating the need for costly, food-grade feedstocks. This strategy aims to ensure the continued production of high-value drugs while maximizing the use of food by-products in the process.

Professor Claudio Avignone Rossa from the University of Surrey emphasizes the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and stresses the importance of innovative approaches to drug development and production. He notes that pathogens resistant to antibiotics can hinder the treatment of common infections and impact other life-saving treatments like chemotherapy. While antimicrobial drugs are available, their development and production costs are significant, prompting the need for creative solutions and leveraging knowledge of bacterial metabolism to address this challenge.

In conclusion, this collaborative project between leading academic institutions and industry partners represents a significant step towards transforming drug production through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. By utilizing food by-products and applying cutting-edge techniques in biomanufacturing, the research aims to pave the way for the development of essential medications to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve global health outcomes. (With additional information from various sources)