Biotechnology Australia CU- The use of Antimicrobials has a long history. Classified into 3 categories, they include disinfectants such as bleach, generally applied to non-living objects such as surfaces, antiseptics and are usually applied to living organisms such as wounds, and antibiotics which are drugs taken orally. All 3 categories of antimicrobial are facing resistance, which are primarily due to overuse and the likelihood of microorganisms finding ways to better evolve and be more infectious.
Lixa a company formed by The University of Western Australia is attempting to tackle fatal antimicrobial resistance based on technology that infiltrates bacteria, was developed by the university’s School of Biomedical Sciences.
Research Fellow of the School, Dr Angela Fonceca co-founded the company with Dr Maud Eijkenboom. Dr Fonceca stated that the Neo X technology can eliminate the defensive shield known as the biofilm, guarding the bacteria and elevating its resistance to antibiotics and further stated that antimicrobial resistance occurs when dangerous microbes evolve with new abilities to protect themselves against antimicrobials like antibiotics.
Dr Fonceca also stated that Lixa had discovered a unique path to handle the issue and the technology had a variety of uses in food production, marine technology, veterinary care and healthcare.
“It’s been a growing issue globally, exacerbated in part by the inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics, and has been declared by the World Health Organization to be one of the top 10 public health threats facing humanity,” said Dr Fonceca further pointing out that cystic fibrosis patients can get chronic lung infections that could be fatal and further stated that a major challenge finding an applicable solution against bacteria, with evolving resistance to treatments.
Dr Fonceca has participated on prior occasions for a program with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation on successful start-ups.
As we shift into a new era of antimicrobial resistance, we are likely to see more research into this area.
Dr Fonceca has previously taken part in a program with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Research and Innovation on successful start-ups.
Her presentation on Neo X and its potential as a bacterial biofilm disruptor won the Concept to Creation Pitching event at CERI late last year.
Dr Fonceca was also one of 40 international applicants accepted into the Interdisciplinary Course on Antibiotics and Resistance to be held this year in Annecy, France.
