According to a study published in the journal Frontiers of Chemistry, researchers from RMIT University have developed a novel antibiotic that can be quickly modified to avoid becoming resistant to harmful superbugs. The antibiotic was developed by Ms. Priscila Cardoso, a PhD student at RMITs School of Health and Biosciences, and Dr. Celine Valery, who served as Cardosos primary advisor.

At present, the need for new antibiotics is greater than ever, as the World Health Organization lists antimicrobial resistance as "one of the top 10 global public health concerns facing humanity." The antibiotic, known as Priscilicidin, has tiny amino acid building blocks that allow it to be customised to combat various forms of antimicrobial resistance. Priscilicidin is a type of antimicrobial peptide.

Given the urgency, Priscilicidin was an exciting public health development. The team developed and tested 20 short peptides after reading up on antimicrobial peptide molecular engineering, and they ultimately decided that Priscilicidin was the best contender. The researchers claimed that Priscilicidin was based on a naturally occurring antibiotic peptide and, as a result, was less likely to result in antimicrobial resistance than currently used conventional antibiotics. They also degrade rapidly in the body.

According to the researchers, Indolicidin, a naturally occurring antibiotic discovered in the immune systems of cows, was used to create Priscilicidin. Priscilicidin proved extremely effective against bacterial strains that were resistant, including golden staph, E. The researchers added that it is more difficult for the bacteria to adapt and develop resistance to therapy when this outer layer is attacked.

Furthermore, laboratory tests revealed that Priscilicidin had antibacterial activity against common bacterial and fungal infections that was comparable to Indolicidin. Also, the molecules of Priscilicidin naturally self-assemble into hydrogel form, making it the perfect ingredient for manufacturing antibiotic gels and creams. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/researchers-reveals-how-antibiotic-helps-to-fight-against-superbugs/1360513/ )