Using enzymes to create penicillin antibiotics more efficiently
Repurposing Styrene Catabolic Enzymes for the Synthesis of Penicillins
This study is looking at new ways to make penicillin antibiotics, which help treat infections like bacterial meningitis, by using special enzymes to make the process cleaner and more efficient, so that patients can have better access to these important medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Francisco State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898870 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the production methods of penicillin antibiotics, which are crucial for treating various bacterial infections, including bacterial meningitis. The team is exploring the use of styrene catabolic enzymes to enhance the synthesis of penicillins through a greener, chemoenzymatic approach. By optimizing these enzymatic processes, the research aims to increase the efficiency and accessibility of penicillin production while minimizing environmental impacts. Patients could benefit from more reliable access to these essential antibiotics as a result of this work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from bacterial infections that require penicillin treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are resistant to penicillin or those who do not require antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more efficient production of penicillin antibiotics, ensuring better availability for patients in need.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using enzymatic methods for antibiotic production, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- San Francisco State University — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gassner, George T. — San Francisco State University
- Study coordinator: Gassner, George T.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.