Destruction of superbugs

CRISPR will replace antibiotics

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method can be programmed to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Until now, there was no way to effectively affect specific strains, but Canadian scientists have found a solution.

Scientists from The University of Western Ontario has developed a new CRISPR delivery method that will help target specific strains of bacteria. Potentially, this means the possibility of individual changes in the gut microbiota, as well as an alternative to traditional antibacterial drugs, which have recently lost their effectiveness.

Article by Hamilton et al. Efficient inter-species conjugative transfer of a CRISPR nuclease for targeted bacterial killing is published in the journal Nature Communications – VM.

To deliver CRISPR to specific bacteria for destruction, the scientists used the bacteria's natural ability to reproduce, called conjugation.

Experiments have shown that this approach has ensured almost complete transfer of antimicrobial agents between bacterial species.

"The delivery of any therapeutic agent, including CRISPR, is very difficult. Now we have created a new effective tool that will help in the development of antimicrobial agents for bacteria resistant to antibiotics," said scientist Bogumil Karas.

Their approach can effectively destroy the tenacious bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, the authors said. Further research will highlight the full potential of the technology.

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