UCF Researcher Discovers Cow Peptide Breaks Bacterial Biofilm

A University of Central Florida scientist has identified how a naturally occurring cow peptide weakens the protective biofilm that shields bacteria from antibiotics.

Dr. Renee Fleeman, an assistant professor at UCF's College of Medicine, published findings in PLOS Pathogens showing how the peptide destroys the biofilm defenses of Klebsiella pneumoniae. About 80 percent of bacterial infections treated in clinics involve bacteria living in biofilm states that resist standard antibiotics.

The peptide triggers a dual stress response. It damages the biofilm while simultaneously stressing the bacterium into abandoning its defenses, making it vulnerable to antibiotics and the immune system.

"By hitting the membrane as well as protein synthesis at the same time, it's a double punch that triggers a genetic change in the cell to make it think it needs to break out of the biofilm," Fleeman said.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases backed the research with an $813,130 five-year grant. Fleeman's team demonstrated the peptide can kill biofilm-embedded bacteria in animal models and decrease bacteria at the source while limiting their spread through the blood.

K. pneumoniae lives harmlessly in human intestines but develops antibiotic resistance over time. In immunocompromised patients or those with internal injuries or contaminated medical devices, the bacteria can cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections or wound infections.

The team aims to demonstrate the peptide works with existing antibiotics. Long-term applications could include a topical cream that weakens bacterial defenses and restores antibiotic effectiveness.