Polymer Fights Drug-Resistant Bactieria

Mar-08-18 A synthetic polymer able to fight drug-resistant bacteria could reduce the growth of superbugs while also saving lives.

As superbugs grow more resistant to modern drugs, they could surpass cancer in fatality numbers. To help fight their rise, a team led by James Hedrick has developed biodegradable synthetic molecules called guanidinium-functionalized polycarbonates. When injected into living tissue, the molecules bond to specific bacteria cells to cross the cell membrane and cause the proteins and DNA in the cell to solidify, which kills the bacteria.

Thumbnail Image: Normal cells of the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria after treatment with the synthetic polymers, showing that the cytoplasmic substances within the bacterial cell membrane have precipitated, killing the bacteria

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