The DNA Trap

The new system neutralizes the DNA of resistant superbugs

Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria remain dangerous even after their death, because their resistance genes can be transmitted to other microorganisms. Researchers from the United States have developed a technique that allows you to capture freely circulating DNA. This should reduce the risk of spreading drug resistance.

Bacteria regularly exchange genetic material with each other. This process, known as horizontal gene transfer, greatly complicates the fight against antibiotic-resistant strains. Even after destroying a colony of resistant bacteria, it is impossible to guarantee that their genes will not spread further.

This problem is especially acute at wastewater treatment plants. Bacteria are killed here by chlorination, but some strains are resistant to this procedure. Even when they die, they secrete DNA fragments that can be transmitted to other bacteria. Those, in turn, become a reservoir of drug resistance.

In search of a solution to this problem , experts from Rice University analyzed the distribution of the antibiotic-protecting metallo-beta-lactamase gene from New Delhi (NDM1) at a treatment plant in the Chinese city of Tianjin. This allowed them to come up with a technique for capturing DNA freely circulating in wastewater.

At the heart of the development, an article about which was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, lies the use of a nanolist of graphite-like carbon nitride. On its surface there are trap holes designed to capture certain DNA fragments. After the leaf is filled in, the genetic material can be destroyed by ultraviolet radiation.

Figure from the Rice University New nano strategy fights superbugs press release - VM.

According to the authors, the use of traps increased the efficiency of capturing free DNA by 37 times (compared to pure graphite–like carbon nitride - VM). In the course of further experiments, the researchers intend to further improve the technology.

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