Synthetic biology for engineering endolysins as tailored antimicrobials
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Lunds universitet Kemiska institutionen |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 929 827 |
| Project duration | June 2024 - March 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Emerging technology solutions |
| Call | Emerging technology solutions within quantum technology and synthetic biology 2024 |
Important results from the project
The project achieved its objectives, identifying nine chimeric enzymes with high potency against pathogenic staphylococcal strains, including antibiotic-resistant ones. These enzymes effectively removed mature biofilms, with cell lysis occurring within 30 minutes. One enzyme variant demonstrated high selectivity against MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus), highlighting its potential as a targeted antimicrobial solution.
Expected long term effects
In the long term, the approach used in this project can be used also to develop potent therapeutic enzymes against several bacterial pathogens, which will significantly lower the use of traditional antibiotics for treating infections in humans and animals. This will reduce the problem of antibiotic resistance and the related burden on healthcare, and meet Agenda 2030 Goal 3. It will also open up possibilities for the biotechnology industry to target an important sector of sustainable healthcare.
Approach and implementation
The project was an academic-industrial collaboration for which the partners hired project assistants and postdocs. The activities were divided into 4 work packages: WP1 (months 1–4) on protein design; WP2 (M4–7) on selection and production; WP3 (M4–7) on evaluating antibacterial activity; and WP4 (M6–10) targeting biofilm hydrolysis. The project kept to the timetable. Key challenges were protein purification and biofilm assays, and library screening took longer than planned.