Reducing antimicrobial resistant bacteria with the use of cold atmospheric plasma: Mechanism of action and influence on mutation and horizontal gene t

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Project description:The widespread use and misuse of antibiotics in animal production has led to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistantAMR bacteria on farms, which adds to the global burden of AMR, which has significant impacts on human health andfood security. Significant efforts to limit AMR on animal farms have so far focused on controlling the supply and use ofantimicrobial drugs. However, evidence shows that AMR pathogenic bacteria can persist and spread despite reducingantimicrobial use to almost zero. AMR development and persistence in livestock is therefore not only an issue to beaddressed by reducing antimicrobial use. We have shown that cleaning and disinfection have a very important role toplay, but the extensive use of chemical disinfectants has been associated with the emergence of AMR and has aconsiderable environmental impact. Therefore, new sustainable strategies for decontamination at the farm level arenecessary. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a novel, residue and antibiotic-free, non-thermal technology shown to haveantibacterial properties in a variety of different settings. Plasma describes the state of an ionised gas (4th state ofmatter), with natural examples including the northern lights, lightening and solar winds. In our lab, we produce CAP byexcitation of gas molecules using electrical discharges. CAP has the potential to inhibit bacteria due to the reactivemolecules and species it contains (e.g. oxygen/nitrogen reactive species). Our previous studies have proved that CAP iseffective in eliminating bacterial pathogens on different surfaces. This project aims to explore the viability of using CAPto reduce AMR bacterial contamination on surfaces frequently found on farms, and the biological effects of CAP onbacteria. You will investigate: i) the efficacy of CAP against AMR bacteria previously identified on farms; ii) the CAP-mediated mechanism of action against AMR bacteria using functional genomics; iii) The influence of CAP on mutationand horizontal transfer of AMR in bacteria; iv) the efficacy of CAP in controlling AMR bacteria on abiotic surfaces. The successful student will join a consortium of two interdisciplinary research groups with access to world-class researchfacilities at University of Bristol (molecular bacteriology, proteomics/functional genomics) and University of the West ofEngland-Bristol (cold plasma technology, microbiology). The student will receive excellent training and meaningfulsupport from their supervisory team, and develop the technical skills and enterprising mind-set that employers seek.