Frogs will help in the delivery of antibiotics

RSUTE based on EurekAlert! – Using frog foam to deliver antibiotics

At the latest annual conference of the Microbiological Society in Liverpool, scientists have shown that the foam produced by Trinidad frogs can become the basis of a new non-toxic antibiotic delivery system that prevents infections.

When mating, Tungar frogs Engystomops pustulosus produce a protein cocktail and whip it into foam with their hind legs. In the resulting structure, they lay eggs to protect them from diseases, predators and environmental influences.

Researchers from the University of Strathclyde have found that the foam is quite stable and can absorb various drugs. Thus, the structure filled with the dye uniformly released it for 72-168 hours. The foam, in which the antibiotic vancomycin was placed, demonstrated the ability to prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in laboratory conditions for 48 hours. Scientists have also proved the non-toxicity of the substance by testing it on keratinocytes (skin cells). After 24 hours of exposure, they remained alive.

With the help of a modified E. coli bacterium, the researchers managed to establish the production of 2 protein components of the compound, including Ranaspumin-2. Scientists are working on recreating a complete artificial version of frog foam, which does not differ in stability from the original. Experts hope that, thanks to the strength and durability of the structure, it can be used to treat severe burns, which often suffer from infections and require the use of intravenous antibiotics.

"Foam is atypical for nature and usually consists of inactivated proteins. However, this structure is stable and safe for human cells, which gives it potential in pharmaceuticals. Although the foam is still far from clinical use, it can help in the treatment of wounds and burns, providing simultaneous protection of tissues and delivery of drugs to the affected areas," notes the head of the research team, Dr. Paul Hoskisson.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  23.03.2016