Horizon Campus produces the latest microbiological knowledge
Antibiotics, a natural or semi-synthesized compound which fights infections caused by bacteria in both humans and animals. The modest approach to explain the function of antibiotics is that they fight infections either by killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotics is also a term amongst the most common phrases used in the Sri Lankan society. From mild cold to the most severe fever, locals consume antibiotics at their own discretion without prior consultation from a medical practitioner. When the world started to think it’s much safer, the arrival of the mutated bacteria who become antibiotic-resistant turned the table around. These bacteria often known as “superbugs” may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance is escalating to dangerously high levels throughout all parts of the world. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, threatening our ability to treat common infectious diseases. A growing list of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning and gonorrhea – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective and with the emergence of super-bugs.
By using modern-day drug analysis to re-evaluate antibiotics overlooked in the past an antibiotic named octapeptin came into play. Discovered 40 years ago but largely unused since, forgotten by scientists as other drugs took priority, octapeptin could get recalled to the front line to take on the worst of the superbugs.Based on a new study of the antibiotic and tests on animal models, an international team of researchers think octapeptin has the potential to replace colistin, one of the drugs of last resort that bacteria have slowly been able to outsmart. There’s still a long way to go in the development and testing of this newly rediscovered antibiotic, but the researchers say it could lay the foundation for a new generation of antibiotics ready to fight lifethreatening infections. With only one new class of antibiotic launched into the market in the last 30 years, some more reinforcements in the ongoing fight against drug resistance is much needed.
Horizon campus, being the most highly accredited campus in Sri Lanka has taken necessary steps to include such latest research and discoveriesintegrated into the modules of the Undergraduate students who enrol for a degree on B. Sc (Hons) in Biotechnology awarded by Nilai University, Malaysia. Also, undergraduates follow a module termed Research methods and design which demonstrates the pathway to select the suitable research design in either field or lab for dissertation research. In order to come up with innovative research proposals students are well briefed on the modules, they cover such as Biotechnology, Industrial Microbiology, Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology.
Well- equipped, state of the art laboratories for Bioscience, Tissue culture and Chemistry provides students an excellent platform and a workspace to pursue their research imagination into a reality. By encouraging and guiding the students with highly qualified panel of staff, Horizon campus wishes to address the challenges that may face during the next few years’ time.
The 9thIntake for Diploma and Bachelors of Sciences ( Hons) in Biotechnology is scheduled to be started on12th February. With a limited number of seats available still, there’s an opportunity for Science enthusiast who wishes to take the challenges in Biotechnology and accomplishing their dream to become future Scientists. In an era where Biotechnology is becoming the next wave of revolution, are you ready to take the challenge and be the best?
Interested parties can obtain further information by visiting www. horioncampus.edu.lk or by contacting 0716623623, 0716 613 613, 0114 365 555 or visit Horizon Campus at Malabe.