IIT Bombay develops DNA-based strategy that could restore old antibiotics’ power

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have made significant strides in addressing the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance. Their innovative DNA-based strategy aims to make drug-resistant bacteria responsive to existing antibiotics, offering a promising approach to a pressing healthcare challenge.

The Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most serious threats to global health, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The widespread and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has accelerated the development of resistant bacterial strains, complicating the treatment of common infections. This situation not only endangers patient health but also places immense pressure on healthcare systems worldwide.

Focus on Existing Antibiotics

Rather than developing entirely new antibiotics, the IIT Bombay team, led by Prof. Ruchi Anand and Prof. P. I. Pradeepkumar from the Department of Chemistry, has chosen to focus on enhancing the effectiveness of existing drugs. Prof. Anand emphasizes the practicality of this approach, stating, “Given the long, expensive path from drug discovery to clinic, improving existing drugs may be a more practical route. We know its safety and effects over the years and can use existing resources.”

Utilizing Aptamers

In their research, the IIT Bombay team utilized short DNA sequences known as aptamers to block the enzymes that bacteria employ to resist antibiotics. Aptamers are synthetically produced and offer advantages over conventional drugs, including stability and ease of modification. This innovative approach is designed to protect the efficacy of existing antibiotics rather than replace them with new compounds.

Laboratory Studies

In two recent studies, the researchers examined the performance of aptamers in laboratory assays. While the results were promising, the team identified two significant hurdles that DNA molecules face within bacterial environments:

• Degradation by Nucleases: DNA can be broken down by enzymes present in bacteria, limiting its effectiveness.
• Bacterial Membrane Penetration: DNA molecules may struggle to cross bacterial membranes, preventing them from reaching their target.

Innovative Delivery System

To overcome these challenges, the second study explored a liposome-based delivery system. Liposomes are tiny, bubble-like spheres made of fatty molecules that mimic biological cell membranes. The IIT Bombay team believes that liposomes can enhance the delivery of DNA into bacterial cells more effectively. Additionally, they proposed that chemical modifications at the ends of the DNA sequences could further improve their stability.

Expert Insights

Prof. Anand noted, “Synthesizing DNA is relatively straightforward, and liposome formulations are already widely used in medicine. Stability can be further improved by chemical modifications at the DNA ends, strategies routinely used in nucleic acid therapeutics.” This innovative delivery method could pave the way for the effective use of aptamers in clinical settings.

Potential Clinical Applications

If successfully developed for therapeutic use, these aptamers could be administered alongside existing antibiotics. By blocking the resistance mechanisms employed by bacteria, the strategy has the potential to restore the effectiveness of older antibiotics. Prof. Anand emphasizes the core idea of this research: “We can re-sensitize old antibiotics.”

Future Research Directions

While the findings from IIT Bombay are promising, the researchers caution that further studies are necessary before this approach can be translated into clinical practice. Key areas for future research include:

• Animal Studies: Conducting experiments in animal models to assess the efficacy and safety of the proposed treatment.
• Pharmacokinetic Analyses: Understanding how the aptamers behave in the body and their interactions with existing antibiotics.

Conclusion

The research conducted by IIT Bombay represents a significant advancement in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By focusing on enhancing the efficacy of existing antibiotics through innovative DNA-based strategies, the team is contributing to a potential solution for one of the most critical health challenges of our time. If proven effective in humans, this approach could have major implications for hospitals and patients alike, preserving the usefulness of antibiotics and improving treatment outcomes.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on research findings from IIT Bombay as of March 2026. Further studies are required to validate the effectiveness of the proposed strategies in clinical settings.