What is the challenge?
It is predicted that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant bacteria could cost the global economy $100 trillion, with drug-resistant infections killing more than 10 million people a year worldwide - a ten-fold increase on current numbers. New technologies for combating infection are therefore critical if we are to reduce infection rates and tackle the ticking time bomb that is antimicrobial resistance.
How do we stop the spread of infection and disease?
At the University of Birmingham, our researchers are creating innovative and cutting-edge solutions to stop the spread of bacterial, viral and insect-borne diseases.
Our leading chemists and microbiologists, led by Dr Felicity de Cogan in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, have developed and patented an antimicrobial coating called NitroPep for surfaces, which is clinically proven to kill bacteria such as MRSA and E.coli.
Research is also currently underway to test NitroPep's effectiveness against coronaviruses. Initial proof of concept studies are showing that the technology shows efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 - the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 - in under five minutes with more studies ongoing.
Dr Anna Peacock in the School of Chemistry, working in collaboration with Dr de Cogan, designed and synthesised antimicrobial peptides bound to surfaces during the development of the NitroPep. Commercialised via a new University spinout company, NitroPep Ltd, the coating can be applied to virtually any surface and is ideal for regularly handled and touched areas such as doorknobs, medical equipment, and handrails. It can be applied to surfaces in any environment, from hospitals to GP surgeries, trains, buses, homes, and offices - creating a safer and healthier world.
NitroPep kills bacteria in seconds - far more rapidly than currently commercially available technologies, ensuring that surface recontamination and onward transmission of bacteria is prevented.
It is predicted that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant bacteria could cost the global economy $100 trillion, with drug-resistant infections killing more than 10 million people a year worldwide - a ten-fold increase on current numbers. New technologies for combating infection are therefore critical if we are to reduce infection rates and tackle the ticking time bomb that is antimicrobial resistance.
Nitropep: How can we stop the spread of infection?
Meet our experts
Dr Felicity de Cogan
Institute of Microbiology and Infection
Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellow