IISc Research Uncovers New Tactics Against Biofilms

A new strategy to fight antibiotic resistance has been discovered by recent research from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The goal of the investigation is to dismantle the biofilm barriers that shield pathogenic microorganisms. Bacteria produce biofilms, which serve as strong barriers to medication penetration. The treatment of infections brought on by opportunistic microorganisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae will be significantly impacted by this finding.

Biofilms and enzymes in antibiotic resistance

• Biofilms are heterogeneous components that are generated by bacteria and create a safe shelter for them.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae is known to form biofilms that cause severe hospital-acquired infections.
• By degrading biofilms, enzymes reduce their strength; the IISc team seeks to derive polysaccharide-degrading enzymes.
• The team discovered an enzyme known as GH–B2, isolated from the rumen of cows, which was then chemically produced to break down biofilms.
• GH-B2 was acted on four species of K. pneumoniae to reveal its efficacy against the bacteria in various forms.
• From the med-View, the study has provided a framework for increasing penetration of drugs for drug delivery through overcoming biofilm-related barriers that may cause antibiotic resistance in hospital environments.
• Via the production and use of the optimized GH-B2, there is a need to undertake more research so as to uncover the full potential of the technology.

Exam Point:

• IISc: India’s most prestigious and oldest institution dedicated to scientific research and education at the postgraduate and Ph.D. levels.
• K. pneumoniae: A bacterium that infects patients in hospitals and can furthermore be characterized as an opportunist. It forms biofilms that help it protect itself against antibiotics.
• GH-B2: A protein that is present in cow rumina to weaken the bacterial polysaccharide capsules to improve drug delivery in infections.