w_CONJURA

MOLECULAR STRATEGIES FOR CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE (CONJURA)

 

Department (s)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Knowledge area
Life and Health Sciences (Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; Biotechnology; Biotechnology; Infectious Diseases)
PI: Miren Itziar Alkorta Calvo Co-PI: 

Members

Lide Arana, Ianire Mate, Emma González Peral, Kepa Arbe, Ana Rey, Arnau Calvet, Sara Arrieta, Nagore Santos

Keywords

Antibiotic resistance, multi-resistant bacteria, conjugative plasmids, coupling proteins, horizontal gene transfer, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, drug delivery

Description

Misuse and abuse of antibiotics has exerted the selective pressure responsible for the emergence of multi- and pan-resistant bacteria. If we do not take action, there is a risk of running out of effective antibiotics.

Bacterial conjugation is the main process by which bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, our group aims to find specific inhibitors of bacterial conjugation to minimise the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) can improve the therapeutic and bioavailability properties of many therapeutic molecules. Our group is working to improve the properties of available antibiotics by encapsulating them in SLNs.

Research lines

  1. Molecular studies of bacterial conjugation
  2. Regulation of bacterial conjugation
  3. Dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment
  4. Encapsulation and delivery of antibiotics in Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Equipment

 

  • Laminar flow hood
  • Plate reader
  • Spectrophotometer
  • Centrifuges and ultracentrifuges
  • Orbital, bath and oven incubators

Website link

http://www.jrl-environmental-antibiotic-resistance.eus/

Contact

itzi.alkorta@ehu.eus