Currently, MRSA is one of the fastest evolving bacteria, causing a wide range of infections from skin disease to serious endocarditis. Researchers at the University of Helsinki created a new biopolymer which kills MRSA nearly 100% upon contact, by combining nanocellulose with compounds derived from tree resin, a side stream from forest industry.
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is any strain of S. aureus that has developed resistance towards the broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics such as cloxacillin, methicillin and flucloxacillin. Various sequelae can result from MRSA infection such as chronic wound infection, sepsis or ventilator-associated pneumonia. MRSA is the leading cause of chronic infections associated to the use of indwelling medical devices.
In her doctoral thesis, Ghada Hassan from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, researched the design and synthesis of biopolymers and compounds to target resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria.
By combining nanocellulose and compounds derived from resin Hassan discovered a new biopolymer which efficiently kills MRSA nearly 100% upon contact.
"The material is biocompatible and found to be devoid of significant toxicity towards human blood cells. Therefore, the bacteria cell dies but the human cell doesn't which makes it both effective and safe. Therefore, this material can potentially be used for biomedical applications for example as integral parts of advanced biomaterials for human health including prosthetic implants or vascular stents or in wound dressings", says Hassan.
In addition to killing Gram-positive MRSA, the material discovered by Hassan is active against Gram-negative bacteria E. coli. Thus, it has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which can be beneficial in creating broader antibiotic effect. According to Hassan, this topic is worth further development, as many active ingredients affect only one or another, not both.
Utilizing tree resin side stream
"Limiting MRSA growth with innovative biomaterials such as this is vital in re-creating the Finnish forestry might once again. In this case, it is especially great as it helps to turn the previously considered side stream, or even waste, tree resin, into something highly valuable," Hassan says. With this in mind, a lot more value can be added to the resin of a tree both in health impact and monetary value.
Statistical data related to MRSA from Finland:
Doctoral defence:
Ghada Hassan, Master of Science (Pharmacy) will defend the doctoral dissertation entitled "Synthesis of Antimicrobial Surfaces and Compounds to Target Resistant Staphylococcus aureus" in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, on 20 February 2021 at 10:00. The public examination will take place at the following address: University of Helsinki, in room PIII, Porthania, Yliopistonkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. (The event is streamed, please see the details on the event calendar).
Professor Miguel Castanho, University of Lisbon, will serve as the opponent, and Professor Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma as the custos.
The dissertation is also available in electronic form in Helda.
