RVC scientists develop safe and inexpensive alternative to antibiotics in production of biofuels and biopharmaceuticals
1 September 2008
Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have developed a system that eliminates the need for antibiotics and resistance genes in the engineering of industrial and medical products. The method involves safer, less costly alternatives and is well suited for industrial production of many biofuels and biopharmaceuticals. This research has been published in the online access journal BMC Biotechnology.
Genetic engineering underpins much of biotechnology, and antibiotic selection of engineered strains is a key tool. Unfortunately, antibiotic selection methods risk spreading resistance traits, particularly as biotechnology products move into the environment and clinic. There have been alternatives, but none are satisfactory for wide application.
Gene targeting is the insertion of DNA into specific sites or genes within the genome of selected cells in order to alter gene expression for a particular purpose.
While working on gene targeting in bacteria, RVC researchers discovered that a well-known interaction between a cell membrane synthesis gene and the biocide triclosan could be exploited for strain selection. Surprisingly, triclosan selection performs better than conventional antibiotic selection.
“We think this simple technology is well suited for industrial scale fermentations that produce a range of valuable products, including bio-fuels and bio-pharmaceuticals,” said Dr Liam Good, at the Royal Veterinary College and lead researcher on the project. “More importantly, the new system is relatively safe and inexpensive, because the gene is native in all bacteria and triclosan is approved for use in many household applications.”
The research was carried out with Dr Shan Goh of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.
Notes for editors
- The BMC Biotechnology research paper can be found online at:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6750/8/61/abstract - Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs produced using biotechnology. They are proteins (including antibodies), nucleic acids (DNA, RNA or antisense oligonucleotides) used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, and are produced by means other than direct extraction from a native (non-engineered) biological source. Biopharmaceuticals can be used in the treatment of anaemia, lukaemia, multiple sclerosis and arthritis among other conditions.
- Biofuels are fuel derived from recently dead biological material. Potential benefits of biofuels include: mitigation of carbon emissions levels and oil prices, deforestation and soil erosion, impact on water resources, and energy balance and efficiency.
- The Royal Veterinary College is the UK's first and largest veterinary school and a constituent College of the University of London. The College is one of the leading veterinary research centres in Europe and received 5 out of 5 in the latest Research Assessment Exercise. It also provides support for veterinary and related professions through its three referral hospitals, diagnostic services and continuing professional development courses.
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The Royal Veterinary College
Established in 1791, the RVC is the UK’s longest-standing veterinary college—with a proud heritage of innovation in veterinary science, clinical practice and education.