Development of new anti-microbials

Overcoming antibiotic resistance

Research into anti-microbial resistance is a key area for NPL. We focus on anti-microbial modes of action with the aim of overcoming antibiotic resistance and measuring the effect on bacteria and microbes, to help develop new anti-microbials. This can be achieved by either:

1. Whole population assays, for example MIC; or
2. Single microbe analysis to identify and test resistors and persisters in a fluidic system coupled to fluorescent SIM for high resolution analysis.

NPL can help design, synthesise and test anti-microbial peptides and proteins for initial proof of concept studies. We can help determine:

• Minimum inhibitory concentration measurements to test the potency and species specificity of new antibiotics.
• Mode of action or how the antibiotic works.
• Bacterial enumeration and viability.
• Anti-microbial design and optimisation
• ‘Mother machine’ microfluidics and addressable manipulation of population or single bacteria to monitor the effects of antibiotics on bacterial dividing rate, bacterial morphology and membrane disruption
• Bacterial antibiotic resistance or persistors and resistors
• Specificity of antibiotics vs human cells.

NPL has a Category 2 microbiology laboratory and the supporting facilities to handle clinical samples. Our ‘mother machine’ microfluidic system is capable of addressing and imaging single bacteria and the flow cytometer carries out bacterial enumeration.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Our diverse skill set enables us to provide bespoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

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