New drug delivery system to combat superbugs | Ahmedabad News

AHMEDABAD: In a groundbreaking research, scientists have developed a novel drug delivery method that may be able to revive antibiotics to which multidrug-resistant microbes have developed resistance.
The research, in which scientists at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) developed a new method to deliver antibiotics directly into bacteria using tiny capsules called liposomes coated with a special molecule called maleimide, was published in the prestigious journal Nature Scientific Reports published.

Professor PS Pradeep from the Department of Biotechnology PDEU said that the new delivery method, called Maleimide-Conjugated PEGylated Liposomes (Mal-PL-Ab), contains maleimide with an average size of 84 nanometers, which is 15 times smaller than that size of a bacterium. acts like a magnet and is attracted to specific targets on the surface of bacteria.
“This ensures that the liposomes, loaded with their antibiotic cargo, attach to and penetrate the bacterial defenses. Inside they release the antibiotics and effectively kill the bacteria. This targeted approach not only increases the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, but also minimizes potential damage to healthy cells.
Prof. Pradeep said that the research focused on finding a solution to the serious problem of antibiotic resistance, which is a major health problem worldwide. “Because these liposomes could help wounds heal faster, the new drug delivery method offers a two-in-one solution: fighting infection while promoting healing. While further research is needed, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope in this fight against antibiotic resistance and could revolutionize the way we treat infections and wounds in the future,” said Prof Pradeep.
“Study aims to reduce mortality from bacterial infections”
Authors of the study “Maleimide-conjugated PEGylated liposomal antibiotic for combating multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with improved wound healing potential” include Darshan Ladva, PS Pradeep and SS Manoharan.
Prof. SS Manoharan, Director General of PDEU, said the study began last year with the aim of reducing mortality and morbidity due to bacterial infections, reducing healthcare costs and length of hospital stay, and reaching areas where advanced AMR treatment is not available.
The PDEU team said initial medical studies (in vivo) had shown encouraging results, although further development was still ongoing. Prof Manoharan said they initially intend to release the bandage to heal chronic or long-term wounds with bacterial infection. “In later stages, it can even be developed for direct drug delivery,” he said.
In Gujarat, 3,643 antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria were reported from April 2022 to March 2023. The number nearly doubled to 6,774 from April 2023 to March 2024, indicating both an increase in prevalence and an increase in awareness through improved reporting. More importantly, the proportion of potentially extremely drug-resistant bacteria (XDR) increased from 63% to 67% in a year.