As part of her PhD project at the University of Continuing Education Krems, our young scientist Denisa Cont is researching antimicrobial peptides - natural components of the human innate immune system. The aim of this project is to isolate these peptides from blood samples and investigate their potential to neutralize bacterial endotoxins, which can trigger life-threatening immune reactions.
An innovative approach is the use of the anticoagulant heparin to isolate these molecules. Initial results show that heparin not only helps with isolation, but can also inhibit the effectiveness of the peptides - an effect that could be used for diagnostics. Denisa Cont was awarded the “tecnet accent Innovation Award” for her research. In the long term, the results could lead to new therapies or improved diagnostic methods for infections.
Bacteria (Escherichia coli) in serum with heparin (left, intact bacteria) and without heparin (right, lysed bacteria)
