In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at RMIT University in Australia, a protein that gives fleas their remarkable elasticity has been used to prevent bacterial infection on medical implants. The resilin-mimetic proteins, which are derived from the insect resilin, have shown 100% effectiveness in repelling E.coli bacteria and human skin cells in lab conditions.

The study’s lead author, Professor Namita Roy Choudhury, said that this finding is a crucial step towards creating smart surfaces that stop dangerous bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant ones like MRSA, from growing on medical implants. “This work shows how these coatings can be adjusted to effectively fight bacteria – not just in the short term, but possibly over a long period,” she added.

The potential applications of this research are vast and include spray coatings for surgical tools, medical implants, catheters, and wound dressings. The resilin-mimetic proteins have exceptional properties such as elasticity, resilience, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for many applications requiring flexible, durable materials and coatings.

Study lead author Dr Nisal Wanasingha said that the nano droplets’ high surface area made them especially good at interacting with and repelling bacteria. “Once they come in contact, the coating interacts with the negatively charged bacterial cell membranes through electrostatic forces, disrupting their integrity, leading to leakage of cellular contents and eventual cell death,” he explained.

Unlike antibiotics, which can lead to resistance, the mechanical disruption caused by the resilin coatings may prevent bacteria from establishing resistance mechanisms. Meanwhile, resilin’s natural origin and biocompatibility reduce the risk of adverse reactions in human tissues, making them more environmentally friendly than alternatives based on silver nanoparticles.

Future work includes attaching antimicrobial peptide segments during recombinant synthesis of resilin-mimics and incorporating additional antimicrobial agents to broaden the spectrum of activity. Transitioning from lab research to clinical use will require ensuring the formula’s stability and scalability, conducting extensive safety and efficacy trials, while developing affordable production methods for widespread distribution.

The study was in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The team used ANSTO’s Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering facilities, and RMIT University’s Micro Nano Research Facility and Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility. The work was funded by the Australia India Strategic Research Fund, Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering top-up Postgraduate Research Award (PGRA) and supported by the Australian Research Council.

The detection of snake venom is a crucial step in treating life-threatening snake bites. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every five minutes, 50 people are bitten by a snake worldwide, resulting in four permanent disabilities and one death. Traditional methods for diagnosing snake venom rely on antibodies, which have limitations such as high costs, lengthy procedures, and inconsistencies.

Researchers at the University of Warwick have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize snake venom detection. They have developed a glycopolymer-based ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) test to detect Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) venom. This new assay is a cheap and rapid alternative to antibody-based approaches, showcasing a version that specifically detects Crotalus atrox venom.

Dr. Alex Baker, lead researcher of the Baker Humanitarian Chemistry Group, explained that snake venoms are complex, making it challenging to detect toxins in the body. However, their research has produced an assay using synthetic sugars that mimic the natural sugar receptors targeted by venom proteins. The team engineered synthetic chains of sugar-like units (glycopolymers) attached to gold nanoparticles to amplify the response and make the reaction visible.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake venom binds to specific sugar molecules on red blood cells and platelets, disrupting blood clotting or interfering with immune responses leading to disability and death. The new assay changes color when venom toxins bind to the synthetic sugars, providing a rapid and cheap detection method beyond antibody-based techniques.

Mahdi Hezwani, first author of the research paper, emphasized that this assay could be a game-changer for snake envenomation. The team tested venom from other snake species, such as the Indian Cobra (Naja naja), and found that it did not interact with glycans in the body. This suggests that the new assay may have potential to distinguish between different snake venoms based on their sugar-binding properties.

This is the first example of a diagnosis test using sugars for detecting snake venom in a rapid detection system, building on the work of the Warwick research group using a glyconanoparticle platform in COVID-19 detection. The new assay is faster, cheaper, and easier to store, making it a more practical solution for treating snake bites.

The University of Warwick’s STEM Connect programme has enabled this innovative research, demonstrating the potential for bold and innovative solutions in addressing global health challenges.

A groundbreaking study has shed new light on the fundamental mechanisms governing microtubule growth within cells. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Dundee have made a significant breakthrough by discovering that the ability of tubulin proteins at microtubule ends to connect with each other sideways determines whether a microtubule elongates or shortens.

Microtubules are crucial protein structures that form the internal skeleton of cells, providing structural support and generating dynamic forces that push and pull. These tiny filaments constantly assemble and disassemble by adding or removing tubulin building blocks at their ends. However, the precise rules dictating whether a microtubule grows or shrinks have long remained a mystery due to the complexity and miniature size of their ends.

The collaborative research team has cracked part of this code using advanced computer simulations coupled with innovative imaging techniques. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed them to address this complex biological question from a fresh perspective, bridging physics and biology.

Dr. Vladimir Volkov, co-lead author from Queen Mary University of London, explained the significance of their findings: “Understanding how microtubules grow and shorten is very important – this mechanism underlies division and motility of all our cells. Our results will inform future biomedical research, particularly in areas related to cell growth and cancer.”

Dr. Maxim Igaev, co-lead author from the University of Dundee, highlighted the power of their interdisciplinary approach: “Bridging physics and biology has allowed us to address this complex biological question from a fresh perspective. This synergy not only enriches both fields but also paves the way for discoveries that neither discipline could achieve in isolation.”

This exciting research deepens our understanding of fundamental cellular processes and opens potential new avenues for biomedical research, particularly in areas concerning cell proliferation and the development of treatments for diseases like cancer.