Chemical synthesis of antimicrobial peptides is up to 20 x more expensive than that of common antibiotics, therefore pharmaceutical industry is not keen for their development. We developed a system for production of a recombinant antimicrobial peptide. Due to toxicity of such peptides for bacteria we used a fusion protein. In acidic environment, the bond between the antimicrobial peptide and the fusion protein is splitting up and releasing the active peptide, which due to its biophysical features interacts with mimetics of bacterial membranes, but not with the mimetics of mammalian membranes.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4071962
In the European project ANEPID we developed several generations of peptides with substantially improved antimicrobial activity. Results were protected in a patent in which our researchers are among the inventors. The patented compounds are important as potential drugs against bacterial infections as a new type of antibiotics and neutralizers of inflammatory activators. Results led to the setting up of a company pba3 in Austria (Science Park Graz), where the initial capital was provided. Our members participate in further development of the project and have part in the intellectual property.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3857946