New way to beat superbugs

Malaysian PhD student and team find possible solution

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian doctorate student is causing a buzz in the medical research field.

Lam Shu Jie (pic), 25, and her team of researchers may have found a solution to the antibiotic-resistant bacteria commonly known as “superbugs”.

Instead of fighting them with antibiotics, the team from the Melbourne School of Engineering published a paper on Monday on a new treatment method.

The method uses star-shaped structures called structurally nano-engineered anti-microbial peptide polymers (SNAPPs).

SNAPPs are found to be highly effective in killing Gram-negative bacteria – a class of bacteria which is antibiotic resistant – without hurting healthy cells, according to the team’s article in Nature Microbiology.

Unlike antibiotics which attempt to kill the bugs chemically, the starshaped protein molecules defeat them by “ripping apart their cell walls”.

The scientific breakthrough was picked up by many news portals, including Science Daily, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the South China Morning Post.

In an interview with a local Chinese daily, Lam said her success was a culmination of many failed attempts.

“The result from this research comes from the many failures I have encountered throughout my journey. But a failed attempt is a learning experience,” she said in the exclusive interview.

Lam, who chose to study in Melbourne after receiving a scholarship from the Australian government, encouraged Malaysians who enjoy research to have the courage to enter the field despite the many challenges it may have.

Research work, she said, was tied closely to long hours and can be exhausting.

Her journey reached the most challenging point when her paediatrician father passed away last year, after which she took three months off to return to Malaysia to be with her family.

Asked if she will return to pursue her career in Malaysia, she said she is keeping her options open.

“If there is a good research direction, an opportunity to be a lecturer or researcher, I will consider returning,” said Lam who still retains her Malaysian citizenship.

She is in Australia under a student visa.

Earlier, the Batu Pahat lass told the South China Morning Post that she spent the past three-and-a-half years researching polymers and how they can be used to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Her supervisor Prof Greg Qiao, who is also one of the 10 co-authors of the scientific journal, said the research was still in its early stages.

He said more work was needed to verify the best formula and structure, as well as determine dosage and test for toxicity, before the substance could be deemed safe for human use.

“Even with all the money in the world, it would take at least five years to get to the first human-test stage because many resources and much work are needed before commercialisation,” he said.

Superbugs stem from misuse or overuse of antibiotics, according to the World Health Organisation.

It lists anti-microbial resistance as a global concern that threatens our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability and death.